Good question. Flies can be a problem and a hard one to get a handle on. Fly control in the mineral will work, but for this method to be effective, your neighbors that have cattle will need to use the same method for fly control because flies will travel some distance. You can use fly tags and they are effective. Make sure every other year that you use a tag that has a different active ingredient. If you don't change active ingredient, flies will become resistant and this fly control method will not work. There are sprays that you can use and are effective for two to three weeks then you will need to spray again. Some producers use this method and when they move the cows to a new pasture in their rotation, fly spray the cattle. Also available are oilers that can be filled with a fly control ingredient and cattle rub the oiler and dispense the fly control. Finally, there are dust bags that contain a fly control and the cattle rub against the bag and the dust is applied to the animal. Dust bags need to be put in a place where cattle frequently visit like a watering area. Put the bags down low enough that the dust can be applied to the face and calves can use them. A key to controlling flies is to change active ingredient at least every two years so that they don't become resistant. Also, if there are areas that stay wet and are breeding grounds for flies, see what you can do to eliminate they. Finally, you have an excellent extension service in your state. Use this resource. One last thought, if your cow herd resides in the southern states and don't have some bos indicus in your cattle, consider that the breed make-up. Bos indicus cattle are not only more resistant to heat, they also seem to be more tolerant to insects.

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