Musca autumnalis
Biology Face flies feed on the secretions of the eyes and nose for short periods of time; only a small percentage of the local face fly population may be found on animals at any one time. These aspects of its life history make management of face fly a very difficult task. Hence, many of the products labeled for efficacious horn fly control indicate that they merely aid in face fly control.
Management-chemical control
Ear tags
- beta-cyfluthrin/piperonyl butoxide ear tag (Cylence Ultra)-One tag to each ear of all animals older than 3 months when flies appear. For optimum control attach one tag to each ear-two per animal. Remove tags at end of fly season or before slaughter.
- diazinon/coumaphos ear tag (Corathon)-One tag to each ear on all mature animals and calves when flies appear. Remove tags at end of fly season or before slaughter.
- lambda-cyhalothrin/piperonyl butoxide ear tag (Saber Extra)-One tag to each ear on all animals when flies appear in spring. Remove tags in fall or before slaughter.
- lambda-cyhalothrin/pirimiphos-methyl ear tag (Double Barrel VP; Dominator)-One tag to each ear on all animals in herd when flies appear in spring. Remove tag in fall.
- permethrin ear tag (GardStar Plus)-One tag per ear on all animals when flies first appear in spring. Remove before slaughter.
- zeta-cypermethrin/piperonyl butoxide ear tag (PYthon MagnuM)-Use one tag per head on all mature and weaned animals when flies appear in spring. Remove tag at the end of fly season or before slaughter.
Pour-ons, sprays
- cyfluthrin pour-on (CyLence)-See label for dosing instructions. Pour along the top of the back and top of the head. Repeat as needed but no more than once every 3 weeks.
- ddvp concentrated spray (Vapona)-Dilute 1 gal in 50 gal water (1% solution) and apply up to 2 fl oz of solution per animal as a fine mist spray. Do not wet hide. Do not treat Brahman animals or calves under 6 months of age. One day withdrawal. Restricted Use Pesticide.
- permethrin/piperonyl butoxide pour on (Ultra Boss) at 3 ml per 100 lb body weight. Maximum of 30 ml (1 fl oz) per animal. Treat once every 2 weeks as needed.
- permethrin spray (Gardstar 40% EC)-Apply at 30 to 118 ml (1 to 4 fl oz) per 25 gal water (0.013 to 0.05% ai). 1 to 2 quarts high pressure spray over body of animal. For low-pressure spray, apply at 118 ml (4 fl oz) to 2.5 gal water, spray till wet but not to runoff.
- tetrachlorvinphos/ddvp (Ravap)-Mix 1 gal in 75 gal water. Apply as coarse spray, 0.5 to 1 gal spray per animal. Do not treat Brahman cattle or calves under 6 months of age. Do not treat more often than once every 10 days.
Dusts, backrubbers
- coumaphos EC (Co-Ral Emulsifiable)-Apply at 9.75 fl oz per gal of No. 2 diesel or fuel oil. Place backrubber where animals congregate.
- permethrin backrubber or self-oiler (Gardstar 40% EC) at 118 ml (4 fl oz) to 10 gal diesel or mineral oil. Keep rubbing device charged. Results improve with forced daily use.
- permethrin dust (several brands, 0.25%)-Suspend bags where cattle congregate. Place bags so they hang 4 to 6 inches below animal's backline. Direct applications of 2 oz per animal may be repeated as needed.
- zeta-cypermethrin/piperonyl butoxide dust (PYthon)-Apply in dust bag, shaker, dusting glove, or mechanical duster. Suspend bags where cattle congregate. Place bags so they hang 4 to 6 inches below animal's backline. Direct applications of 2 oz per animal may be repeated as needed but not more often than once every 3 days.
Feed supplements
- diflubenzuron feed supplement (Clarifly 0.04%)-Prevents development of immature forms in manure of treated animals. For confined beef cattle, mix into grain according to label to provide 0.1 mg ai/kg (4.55 mg/100 lb) body weight/day. Start feeding early in spring before flies appear and discontinue when cold weather limits fly activity. For pastured beef, place in feeders close to water sources and/or resting areas. Allow free choice to cattle. Cattle should consume an average of 0.4 ounces of this product per 100 lb of animal body weight per day, which is equivalent to 4 ounces per day for a 1,000 lb animal.
- diflubenzuron add-pack for milk (Clarifly Add-Pack)-Prevents development of immature forms in manure of treated calves. Mix daily into milk/milk replacer according to label to provide 0.1 mg ai/kg (4.55 mg/100 lb) body weight/day. Start feeding early in spring before flies appear and discontinue when cold weather limits fly activity.
- tetrachlorvinphos mineral block (Sweetlix Rabon)-For control of fecal flies in manure of treated animals. Feed free choice, 1 block for 5 head of cattle. Consult veterinarian before using this product with pregnant or lactating animals. See label for details.