Ministry of Agriculture
Control of Insect and Related Pests of Livestock and Poultry in British Columbia
Face Fly
Host: Cattle
Description of Injurious Stages and Damage
The
face fly closely resembles the house fly. Adult face flies cluster on the faces
of cattle, feeding on nasal mucous, tears and saliva, which causes great
annoyance to the animals. This may result in decreased feeding and lowered milk
production. Face flies transmit the organism responsible for pink eye.
Summary of Life History
The face fly invaded B.C. in 1967 and is now widely spread over the southern part of the province. Maggots develop in cow manure and pupate in adjacent soil. Adults congregate in large numbers on sunny places such as the sides of buildings, fences and gates. They will not enter buildings or deep-shaded areas; however, they overwinter as adults in buildings, including residences. A parasitic worm is known to infect adult flies, destroying the eggs of the female.
Control Recommendations
Face fly numbers can be reduced on beef and non-lactating dairy cattle using ear tags containing a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide (permethrin, fenvalerate, flucythrinate, or cypermethrin), an organophosphate insecticide (tetrachlorvinphos) or an ear tag containing cypermethrin and diazinon. A 0.0125% permethrin spray can also be used. Dust bags containing 1% coumaphos can be used on beef and all dairy cattle.
Black Flies |
Bot Flies |
Cattle Grubs |
Face Fly |
Hog Mange Mite |
Horn Fly
Horse & Deer Flies |
House Fly |
Lice |
Mosquitoes |
Poultry Lice
Chicken Mite & Northern Fowl Mite |
Sheep Bot Fly |
Sheep Ked |
Stable Fly |
Ticks
