Ranchers can control horn flies (the number one external pest of cattle) using a variety of methods:
* sprays (not long-lasting but good for immediate control),
* concentrated pour-ons (good for immediate control plus control for several days or weeks),
* ear tags of various compounds (for long-lasting control, several weeks to a few months),
* self-applicators (dust bags, back rubbers, etc.) for long-lasting if intermittent control, and
* insect growth regulators (IGR) in feed or minerals (must be consumed).
Ideally, ranchers would try a mixture of methods to control horn flies, such as an immediate control method (like an inexpensive insecticide pour-on or spray) combined with a long-lasting method (self-applicator, ear tags, IGR feeding, etc). If one doesn't work, then they should try another. The insecticide pour-ons referred to here are solely for external parasites. There are several dewormer products that will control internal parasites (commonly called "stomach worms") as well as external parasites (mainly horn flies). To control ticks, there are a few sprays (whole body spray for hard ticks) and ear sprays (or "bombs," as they used to be called) for the soft-bodied ticks found in the ears. There are also several good ear tags for ticks that will control horn flies as well. Although ticks are not as prevalent as horn flies, the economic damage can be just as great.
