By Scout Nelson
In North Dakota, livestock operations face significant challenges from pests such as face flies, horn flies, and stable flies. Without control, these pests can drastically reduce livestock productivity. Fortunately, experts from North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension offer strategic advice for effective pest management.
Dr. Gerald Stokka, an Extension veterinarian and livestock stewardship specialist at NDSU, emphasizes the importance of timing in pest control. "Integrated pest management involves using the right type of control at the right time for the right duration to control pests effectively," he explains.
This approach is crucial, especially in beef cow-calf operations, where applying pest control before pasture turnout is generally ineffective.
Colin Tobin, an animal scientist at the NDSU Carrington Research Extension Center, discusses the economic impact of flies, noting, "When fly counts reach 200 flies per animal, the economic threshold has been reached and animals will have significant weight loss." Monitoring fly populations is essential to determine the best time for applying control measures.
Effective strategies include the use of ear tags containing insecticides, which should not be applied until fly populations approach economic thresholds. Tobin advises, "Ear tags should not be applied until fly populations are nearing the economic thresholds (typically from mid-June to July)."
In addition to physical controls, NDSU Extension specialists recommend chemical and natural methods. Feed additive insecticides, for instance, are incorporated into cattle's diets to disrupt fly larvae development in manure, proving effective in about 80% to 90% of cases.
Karl Hoppe, another Extension livestock specialist, cautions against resistance, advising, "Continuous use of these products may speed up resistance in the fly populations."
Nonchemical options such as back rubbers, dusters, and natural fly traps, along with promoting natural defenses like dung beetle activity, are also advised. Hoppe reminds producers, “When applying any type of pest control, be sure to carefully read the label prior to application.”
By integrating these management strategies, North Dakota livestock operations can significantly reduce the impact of pests. This not only improves animal welfare but also enhances overall farm productivity and sustainability.
Photo Credit -gettyimages-prill
Categories: North Dakota, Livestock