Livestock External Parasite Integrated Pest Management

Author: Peter Warren

Publication Number 444-117w; Posted June 2001

Flies & Mosquitoes

• Destroy sites used by developing larvae
  • Areas around feed bunks
  • Spilled feed
  • Accumulated manure mixed with hay
  • Damp areas around waterers
  • Low lying areas around fence lines
  • Urine-soaked bedding in calf pens
• Insecticides provide good short-term control
  • Treat legs and undersides of animals thoroughly
  • Use residual wall sprays

Horse Bot Flies

• Insecticides are not very useful against this pest
• Remove eggs from horse with grooming tools
• Over the counter veterinary products available for controlling larvae in horse
  • Most effective when used in the fall after several killing frosts

Horse & Deer Flies

• Fence animals from wooded areas
• Provide artificial shade
• Insecticides on animals can help

Cattle Grubs (Heel Flies)

• It is important that cattle in Virginia not be treated with any product having grubicidal activity between November 1 and February 1
• Begin treatment when heel fly activity stops in late spring and early summer

Horn Fly

• Insecticide-impregnated rubbing devices are effective
  • Back rubbers
  • Ear tags
  • Dust bags
• Feeding animals insecticide-treated mineral, salt, and ration mixtures can control larvae
• Using a pasture harrow to break up manure piles may limit populations

Face Fly

• Daily forced use of insecticide-impregnated rubbing devices are the best way to reduce populations
• Sprays over entire body are effective only for short periods of time
• Fly masks provide relief but they must fit properly and be checked regularly

Sheep Nasal Bot Fly

• No pesticides are currently registered
• Veterinary products are available

Sheep Ked ("Sheep Tick")

• Treating after spring shearing is best time for chemicals to penetrate skin

Wound Infesting Flies

• Use insecticides to treat the infested wound and surrounding area and reapply as needed
• Submit all maggots found in wounds to your local Extension agent for identification

Mosquitoes

• Destroy larvae by draining wet areas, filling in puddles and ruts, and cleaning up other containers that collect water
• Adults may be controlled with insecticides on the animals or on the walls

Lice, Ticks, & Mites

• Keep animals healthy and in good condition
• Some animals are carriers and should be removed from the herd or flock
• Insecticides do not work against the eggs (nits) so a second treatment should be made after 14 days when the current eggs hatch

Ticks

• Identify tick infested areas with a flannel drag
• Make environment unsuitable
• Cut and burn brush
• Keep grass short
• Cultivate tillable land
• Chemical applications will work in small areas

Mange Mites

• Regular inspection and treatment of new birds
• Exclusion of wild birds

Reference

View this document in PDF format

Visit Virginia Cooperative Extension