Insecticide Ear Tags for Cattle

topside1 · #1 05/29/09, 07:33 AM

Hi all. I'm tired of spraying livestock for flies, tell me about ear tags. I realize they come in packs of twenty. I would only need 6 to 8 tags. So one of my questions is can I use the leftover tags next year? Or do they lose potency by next season? How do they work? Plus Jeffers has all kinds what type do you recommend? Is this a good idea? Thanks for your time and input....Topside

ksfarmer · #2 05/29/09, 08:04 AM

Topside, I always get my tags from the vet, he usually has open packs and will sell the number I need. I think they would keep for a year if you put them in a sealed container. I think they do help with flies, especially around the face. They are not a cure-all but do help. I can't recall offhand just what brand I get, guess I should pay more attention next time.

randiliana · #3 05/29/09, 08:59 AM

Personally, I don't like the tags. Too many flies have developed a resistance to many of the insecticides. I know tags are cheaper but a cattle oiler/rub will work a lot better IMO. Place it in a place near water, or where they congregate and they will use it.

ksfarmer · #4 05/29/09, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by randiliana

Personally, I don't like the tags. Too many flies have developed a resistance to many of the insecticides. I know tags are cheaper but a cattle oiler/rub will work a lot better IMO. Place it in a place near water, or where they congregate and they will use it.

randiliana is correct in that flies have developed resistance to the tags. I think it is important to use a different type of tag in alternate years, thus making it more difficult for resistance to develope. I also like to use the insecticide dust bags in a spot where cattle loaf.

agmantoo · #5 05/29/09, 11:07 AM

I agree with the others that the tags have lost their effectiveness. If tags are used you will need 2 per animal. The tags and pour on insecticides will reduce/kill your dung beetles. If you do not have a lot of cattle in your neighborhood with no fly control the predator insects will work. Have you ever seen one of the antique designed fly traps where the flies are disturbed as the cattle pass thru the fly trap devise? It is rather neat and does work with no insecticides. Additionally, there is now a mineral feeder that dispenses insecticide for face fly control. http://www.flykillerkover.com/index.html
Keep us informed on what you decide to do and how it is working.