Best Management Practices for Controlling Flies in Livestock

Managing flies organically means healthier, less stressed animals

Flies are more than just a nuisance—they can lead to illness, irritation, and reduced production. Managing fly populations helps protect your animals’ health and well-being.

Focus on Animal Health First

Healthy animals are more resilient to pests. Feed them a balanced diet appropriate for their stage of life. Work with a nutritionist if needed, especially if you're growing your own feed.

Keep Housing Clean & Dry

Flies breed in moist, dirty environments. Provide dry bedding and clean gathering areas. Rotate bedding materials, and consider adding lime or diatomaceous earth to reduce fly reproduction.

Understand Your Fly Problem

Identify which types of flies are present.

Learn their breeding habits and life cycles to target your efforts.

A combination of sanitation, pasture management, and deterrents is often most effective.

Use Organic Repellents and Traps

Essential oil-based sprays like peppermint or citronella can deter flies. Use fly tapes, sticky traps, and jars both inside barns and outside. Large fans also help by discouraging flying insects.

Introduce Fly Predators

Consider using parasitic wasps, which feed on fly larvae before they hatch. These can be released around barns and gathering areas. Some farms develop native populations over time.

Manage Pastures Strategically

Break up manure in pastures to help it dry quickly and discourage fly breeding. Use fly traps in paddocks, and rotate animals to non-adjacent areas to keep ahead of fly populations.

Mechanical Solutions That Help

Install walk-through fly traps in high-traffic areas like water stations. Cattle often seek them out for relief. Brushes and grooming stations also help remove manure and mud from animals’ coats.

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