The Tabanids are a large diverse group of blood feeding flies. Adults range in size from the size of the house fly – 6 mm long for the deer fly genera (Chrysops spp.) to as large as 30 mm long for the horse fly genera (Tabanus spp.). Only female tabanids feed on blood. Their mouthparts are stout and blade-like and inflict a deep painful bleeding wound. They inject an anticoagulant when they bite, which delays blood clotting. Eggs are deposited on vegetation, which overhangs or is near water. Newly-hatched larvae fall in water or mud when they hatch where they feed on organic debris. Most species have only one generation per year.
Data on the economics of Tabanid attacks on cattle are difficult to obtain because of mobility and lack of a good control method. Hereford heifers protected from 6 species of Tabanids gained an average of 0.9 kg/day more than unprotected heifers. Cattle under attack by Tabanids will seek water or shade and sometimes run trying to escape the flies. Perhaps the most serious economic impact of Tabanids on cattle is the transmission of Anaplasmosis, a bacterial disease of cattle (once classified as a protozoan).
Mowing vegetation around
the edges of ponds has been shown to be effective in reducing numbers of at
least one Tabanid species in South Dakota.
Insecticide sprays may provide some control for a short period of time. Insecticide sprays recommended for control of other livestock insects can be used for Tabanids. These are listed at the end of the chapter.
|
Insecticides Suggested for Treatment of Flies on Cattle: |
|||
Insecticide |
ApplicationMethod |
Application Rate |
Restrictions and comments |
|
Coumaphos (Co-Ral)
(Co-Ral Fly and Tick Spray)
(Co-Ral) |
Spray or Sponge
Spray
Spray |
11.6 % ELI 1 pt/25 gal water
6.5 % EC 2 qt/50 gal water or 10 oz/4 gal water
25 % WP 4 oz/12.5 gal water |
Restricted-use Pesticide
For horses not intended for slaughter. No more than 6 treatments per year, no less than 10 days apart. |
|
Fenvalerate (Ectrin) |
Spray |
10 % WDL 2 oz/12 gal water |
Apply 8 oz of diluted spray per horse. Do not apply to horses intended for slaughter. |
|
Methoxychlor
|
Spray or wipe-on |
0.05 % Ready to use
|
Follow label instructions. |
|
Permethrin (Atroban)
(Buss Off)
(Ectiban)
(Gardstar)
(Permectrin II) |
Spray
Wipe-on, Spray or Pour-on
Spray
Spray
Spray |
11 % EC 1 pt/25 gal water or 3 tbsp/2.5 gal water
7.4 % Permethrin + 7.4 % PBO
5.7 % EC 1 qt/25 gal water or 22 tbsp/1 gal water
40 % EC 5-12.5 ml/2 gal water
10 % EC 2 oz/3 gal water |
Spray to thoroughly wet animal. Repeat every 10-14 days.
Repeat application every 14 days.
Apply 30-60 ml per horse.
Spray thoroughly to wet horse. Repeat in 14-21 days. |
|
Pyrethrins |
Mist, spray or wipe-on |
0.05-1.0 % Pyrethrins + Piperonyl Butoxide Many formulations of ready to use. |
Follow label instructions. |
|
Stirofos (Rabon) |
Feed Additive |
7.76 % ROL |
Follow label directions. Horn and face fly control only. |
The information herein is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and that listing of commercial products, necessary to this guide, implies no endorsement by the authors or the Extension Services of Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming or Montana. Criticism of products or equipment not listed is neither implied nor intended. Due to constantly changing labels, laws and regulations, the Extension Services can assume no liability for the suggested use of chemicals contained herein. Pesticides must be applied legally complying with all label directions and precautions on the pesticide container and any supplemental labeling and rules of state and federal pesticide regulatory agencies. State rules and regulations and special pesticide use allowances may vary from state to state: contact your State Department of Agriculture for the rules, regulations and allowances applicable in your state and locality. |
|||
Categories: Livestock Insects, Cattle, Aquatic Biting Fly Complex, Tabanids
Date: 03/28/2003