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Buffalo Fly Control

Buffalo Fly Control

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How to manage buffalo flies

Effective buffalo fly control in Australia requires an integrated approach that combines chemical treatments and good management practices. Pour-on treatments, insecticidal ear tags, and back rubbers all control fly populations, but are only effective if used correctly.

To reduce the risk of chemical resistance and ensure efficacy, it’s essential to rotate active ingredients and monitor treatment outcomes. Non-chemical methods like dung beetles, biological control, or selecting cattle with fly resistance, can complement your treatment plan for sustainable buffalo fly management. 

Effective buffalo fly treatments for cattle

There are several effective buffalo fly treatments for cattle that work well as part of an integrated pest management plan. Let’s explore each option and their benefits and limitations. 

Pour-on insecticides

Pour-on treatments are liquid formulations applied along the backs of cattle, where they’re absorbed through the skin or spread via the oil on the animal’s coat. Common active ingredients in these formulas include synthetic pyrethroids, organophosphates, and macrocyclic lactones like ivermectin. 

Pour-on benefits

  • Easy to apply 
  • Suitable for large-scale operations
  • Provide relatively fast knockdown activity
  • Some products offer additional parasite control for lice or internal worms

Pour-on limitations

  • Residual effectiveness is generally short (a few days up to 3 weeks)
  • Repeat applications may be needed throughout fly season
  • Overuse can create chemical resistance amongst cattle
  • Efficacy may be reduced by rainfall or poor application techniques 

Insecticidal ear tags

Ear tags impregnated with insecticides – usually synthetic pyrethroids or organophosphates– release small amounts of the active ingredient over time whilst applied. They work by contact with the animal’s skin, where the insecticide is then able to spread across its body.

Ear tag benefits

  • Offer long-term control, with some tags lasting for 3-4 months
  • Reduce the need for frequent handling and chemical applications
  • Convenient for inclusion in routine animal handling or marking events

Ear tag limitations

  • Limited control when animals lose tags or only have one tag instead of the recommended two, which can lead to herd resistance
  • Effectiveness may diminish toward the end of the season
  • Rotating chemical classes is essential to prevent resistance, but requires good management and planning
  • Tagging can be labour-intensive

Back rubbers

Back rubbers or oilers consist of a fabric or rope device soaked in insecticide and suspended where cattle brush against them, usually near water or feed sources. Oil-based insecticide formulations are commonly used as part of this practice. 

Back rubber benefits

  • Allow cattle to self-treat, reducing labour
  • Continuous exposure can maintain control during high-pressure periods
  • Multiple animals can be treated without mustering

Back rubber limitations

  • Regular maintenance is required to ensure proper insecticide saturation
  • Placement is critical for efficacy 
  • Control may be inadequate if cattle avoid the device
  • Dominant animals may monopolise access to the back rubber

Shop buffalo fly control methods from Specialist Sales now. If you need help navigating your product options, contact us today.