There's nothing quite as aggravating as a fly.  And when flies are aggravating your herd it can mean; lost milk production, deteriorating health for the cows and the transmission of diseases. Cornell Cooperative Extension offers tips on controlling the fly population without the use of insecticides.

We have learned that the use of insecticides in the past, has caused as many problems as it has solved.  It can "aggravate fly populations' resistance to insecticides and inadvertently destroy natural enemies of flies."  Today the careful use of pesticides with other integrated pest management (IPM) practices are proving to be much more effective.

Practice Sanitation. The fly life cycle requires that immature flies (eggs, larvae, pupae) live in manure, moist hay, spilled silage, wet grain, or a similar environment for 10 to 21 days depending on temperature and fly species. Weekly removal and spreading of materials in which flies breed helps to break the fly's life cycle. Waste management is therefore the first line of defense in developing an effective fly management program.

Use sticky tapes, paper, and ribbons. Sticky ribbons, especially the giant ones, are very effective for managing small to moderate fly populations.

Maintain a fly-free zone in the milk room. Installing and maintaining tightly closed screen doors and windows to the milk room can greatly reduce fly numbers in this sensitive area. Occasional flies that get in can be controlled with sticky tapes, light traps, or careful use of insecticides.

Prevent flies from emigrating from the facility. Certain management practices can help minimize the amount of favorable outdoor fly breeding sites. Spreading manure and bedding as thinly as possible will help ensure that it dries out quickly. It should also be disked under to help kill fly larvae and pupae that may be present, especially under cool or overcast weather

You can see these practices in action as CCE hosts a pasture walk, Wednesday, June 24 from 11 to 1:30.  The walk will be held at the Mike Lappin farm located at 3760 Sheehan Rd. in Taberg. Learning to manage summer time pests on pastured animals will be addressed by Livestock and Field Crops IPM Coordinator, Keith Waldron and Margaret Fusco with NRCS will also be on hand to address pasture management questions. This is a free event, but reservations are necessary and can be made by calling 315-736-3394 ext. 132.

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