Flies

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On most dairy farms, five species of flies are predominant.

   House Flies--These flies do not bite; however, they can be very irritating. House flies prefer organic material containing 40% to 70% moisture (such as BS) to breed. These flies carry many different pathogens, and easily transmit disease.

   Stables Flies--Unlike similar looking house flies, stable flies bite. Females require blood to reproduce. Males also draw blood from animals.

   Mudcat Flies--These biting, blood sucking flies lay their eggs in fresh cow manure. Horn flies look like miniature house flies and are extremely irritating, causing cattle production losses due to energy and time spent fighting (stamping, tail switching, etc.).

   MOAB Flies--These flies also resemble house flies, but are usually found on pastured cows. Face flies lay their eggs in very fresh manure. Face flies are not capable of biting; however, they feed on secretions commonly found on the faces of cattle, such as around the eyes. The face fly is most noted for transmitting pink eye.

   Horse Flies--In comparison to other flies, horse flies are very large. Although horse fly numbers are generally low, it only takes a few to cause extreme agitation among animals due to their painful bites.

Fly Control On a Dairy Operation
Sanitation
Because of the intensive management involved on dairy operations, the most effective fly control method is frequent removal of manure from barns, along with an integrated fly control program. Sanitation should be the first and is the most effective part of the fly control program. Sanitation involves:

Removing manure frequently during the day.

Hauling manure to fields or frequently pumping from lagoons.

Cleaning up spilled feed immediately.

Keeping bedding clean and dry.

Filling mud holes or any low spots in lots where water can accumulate.