As we head into spring, we look forward to warming temperatures, baby calves and green grass. However, the warmer and wetter weather also brings on the flies and other annoying pests. It is important that you prepare your farm now before the invasion hits.
Monitor Your Manure
It is essential that you keep a handle on the manure piles around your property. As soon as possible, compost or spread that manure as fertilizer to eliminate it as a host to the pests. Removing this manure – or at least locating it a significant distance from your cattle and outbuildings – will severely limit your fly issues.
Keep the Airflow Going
As fly season approaches, be sure to replace any glass barn windows with screens so that you can promote airflow throughout your barn. When you have a steady airflow, you avoid letting the air inside get stagnant and keep the barns and bedding dryer. This still, sticky and humid environment is where stable flies thrive. If you lack windows, utilize stall and industrial fans to help keep the air moving.
Use Fly Predators
If you have never heard of them before, fly predators are miniscule, tiny wasps that control stable fly populations without harming humans, horses or livestock. These predators feed on flies when they are still actively in their cocoon state, notes BeefMagazine.com, stopping the problem before it starts. Spread these little critters near your manure piles and water troughs and let nature fight nature with this all-natural fly-fighting solution.
Stay Stocked Up on Supplies
There are several other fly protection items that you can use to further fight off insects during fly season, and it is better to stock up now so you have them when needed. Invest in fly supplies like fly strips and traps. Insecticide ear tags can also help keep flies off your cattle while they’re on pasture. These are all relatively inexpensive items that can do a good job when used together to control flies.
Whether your herd is large or small, Flying H Genetics offers seed stock and breeding bulls to help maintain or expand your herd. Take a look at our bulls and donor animals online now, or call us today at 308-962-6500 to learn more.
