FLY CONTROL PLANS
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kolanuraven
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I don't think there is such a thing as fly control!!! :lol: :lol: :lol:
per
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Is there a season down there or is it year round. We don't have too big a problem here. At our farm a month or so of mostly mosquitoes and black fies in the ranch for a month but they can go in the bush there. They all go away in the winter. :wink:
loomixguy
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HAY MAKER said:
What have you tried?
loomixguy
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Not many here use the tags, so I can't comment on them. Sprays can be a PITA, but you KNOW they have been exposed to it when you run 'em through.
A lot of guys around here use IGR mineral, but for it to be effective, they proper amount must be consumed, and getting consumption of dry mineral zero'd in can be a full time job, especially if there is hay to bale or mow, irrigating to do, steers to rope, women to chase, or beer to drink.
I got a half a semi load of Summer LOOMIX with IGR a couple of weeks ago, and as soon as the Doc says I can get out amongst 'em again from having my knee 'scoped the other day, I'm gonna put some out. They need to eat 3/4 of a pound for the IGR to be effective, so that won't be a problem. They will get their vitamins and trace minerals, some protein, and the patented fiber digestion along with the IGR in one fell swoop. Fresh water, salt, and adequate groceries is all that is required otherwise. One feller who used it last year weaned calves 75 pounds heavier than his neighbors, and they were all born about the same time and the pasture conditions were pretty much the same, wet and washy grass all summer long, as it rained every 3 days. I'm curious to see how it works out in these parts.
A lot of guys around here use IGR mineral, but for it to be effective, they proper amount must be consumed, and getting consumption of dry mineral zero'd in can be a full time job, especially if there is hay to bale or mow, irrigating to do, steers to rope, women to chase, or beer to drink.
I got a half a semi load of Summer LOOMIX with IGR a couple of weeks ago, and as soon as the Doc says I can get out amongst 'em again from having my knee 'scoped the other day, I'm gonna put some out. They need to eat 3/4 of a pound for the IGR to be effective, so that won't be a problem. They will get their vitamins and trace minerals, some protein, and the patented fiber digestion along with the IGR in one fell swoop. Fresh water, salt, and adequate groceries is all that is required otherwise. One feller who used it last year weaned calves 75 pounds heavier than his neighbors, and they were all born about the same time and the pasture conditions were pretty much the same, wet and washy grass all summer long, as it rained every 3 days. I'm curious to see how it works out in these parts.
Shortgrass
Well-known member
I used IGR last summer. Started early, and stayed with it, but was not very satisified. Maybe it would have been better if neighbors also used it. I am going back to fly tags on a rotational basis. I think K-raven is about right!
loomixguy
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Neighbors not using it shouldn't mean much, as most flies never get more than 1/8 mile from where they were hatched.
Did you ever figure consumption? Were you mixing salt with it? That is the problem. To be effective, consumption must be steady and regular, and most guys trying to monitor concumption with dry mineral will go bonkers in short order. The consumption issue would be the same with blocks, too...then there is the weathering issue.
You DID help things by having it out and available to them, even if you really didn't "see" any results.
Did you ever figure consumption? Were you mixing salt with it? That is the problem. To be effective, consumption must be steady and regular, and most guys trying to monitor concumption with dry mineral will go bonkers in short order. The consumption issue would be the same with blocks, too...then there is the weathering issue.
You DID help things by having it out and available to them, even if you really didn't "see" any results.
Faster horses
Well-known member
IGR in the mineral does help. Ours works if the cows eat half of what is normally recommended--meaning 2 oz/head/day will control flies.
Notice, we are talking CONTROL not elimination. We'll always have flies, but we can have some control over how many. IGR needs to be put out after 4-5 days of 60 degree weather and left out til the first frost.
You will always see flies present, but how you tell if the IGR is working is watch your cattle. If the fly control isn't working the cattle will bunch up in the fence corners instead of being out grazing. Cattle make you no money when they are bunched up. Like Loomix guy, our customers have seen a rise in weaning weights when using the IGR.
Here in our country we see a big hatch of flies in August. By keeping the IGR out til the first frost assures you that the flie eggs won't winter over and hatch in the spring. If your cattle are close to a neighbors cattle, like was mentioned here earlier, you might see a few more flies for a couple of weeks, but after that you should see them decrease. It takes about 2 weeks for the life cycle of the fly. IGR causes the larvae to hatch prematurely and die. That's basically how it works. Cattle don't build up an immunity to IGR like they do with fly tags.
Sometimes we have to use two sources of fly control.
Notice, we are talking CONTROL not elimination. We'll always have flies, but we can have some control over how many. IGR needs to be put out after 4-5 days of 60 degree weather and left out til the first frost.
You will always see flies present, but how you tell if the IGR is working is watch your cattle. If the fly control isn't working the cattle will bunch up in the fence corners instead of being out grazing. Cattle make you no money when they are bunched up. Like Loomix guy, our customers have seen a rise in weaning weights when using the IGR.
Here in our country we see a big hatch of flies in August. By keeping the IGR out til the first frost assures you that the flie eggs won't winter over and hatch in the spring. If your cattle are close to a neighbors cattle, like was mentioned here earlier, you might see a few more flies for a couple of weeks, but after that you should see them decrease. It takes about 2 weeks for the life cycle of the fly. IGR causes the larvae to hatch prematurely and die. That's basically how it works. Cattle don't build up an immunity to IGR like they do with fly tags.
Sometimes we have to use two sources of fly control.
John SD
Well-known member
I've been tempted to try some dry mineral or lick tubs for fly control. Since I calve later the flies are usually in full swing by the time I get my branding done.
Ideally, I will update the cows on their vaccinations and pour them at branding time. Generic ivermectin or Durasect or similar products seem to give 2-3 weeks of decent fly control. I do pour the calves whether I work the cows or not.
Ideally, I will update the cows on their vaccinations and pour them at branding time. Generic ivermectin or Durasect or similar products seem to give 2-3 weeks of decent fly control. I do pour the calves whether I work the cows or not.
per
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IGR works by being in the manure and killing the flies there. Do I have that right? How do you avoid killing the dung beetles and other insects that are beneficial?
gcreekrch
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12 frost free days a year keep everything but mosquitos on a population control program.
kolanuraven
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gcreekrch said:
We prob only have about 20 days OF frost a year....if that many!!!
Can't imagine living in your part of the world Gcreek.....just can't.
I'd freeze in July!
Faster horses
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IGR doesn't kill the flies, it interrupts the life cycle of the fly. IGR causes them to hatch prematurely. They can't fly and then they die.
I have a customer that leases a place that is really into the eco-system. I had to find out if the IGR would damage the dung beetles. The answer is NO.
I have a customer that leases a place that is really into the eco-system. I had to find out if the IGR would damage the dung beetles. The answer is NO.
Cowpuncher
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I tried at one time to get a company that makes the fly tags to just make a plastic tag with sale barn glue on the back of it so the tag could be put on the animal without having them in a chute. Also, the tag could be placed on the the back or shoulder as cattle were let out of a trailer. The tag would fall off by the end of summer so old tags would not be in the cattle.
My request fell on ears that didn't hear. The guy just gave me a tag remover!!
My request fell on ears that didn't hear. The guy just gave me a tag remover!!
Soapweed
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My cattle were all naturally implanted at birth with a tail, and this will have to suffice. :wink:
leanin' H
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A tail and lots of oakbrush/cedar trees/ buckbrush/ mountain mahogany/ quakies/ sagebrush is our ticket to fly problems. :wink: Out here the flys have to carry a canteen and sunscreen.