Always have the flies, but usually in numbers we consider acceptable.
We always have loose minerals w/IGR, which suppresses the fly numbers, but for reasons unknown (maybe a little green grass from the one measurable rain?), the mineral consumption dropped considerably.....and the fly numbers have exploded. Huge bunches, easily seen (mostly Hereford cattle) on the backs and bellies.
Anyone else dealing with more than usual?
Have distracted them with cubes, to attempt spraying from the Ranger, modest success, but with 135-ish head, plus calves, some don't cooperate.
Spray used is Prolate Lintox (active ingredient Phosmet), day to day you can readily see the ones that got sprayed, versus the suffering ones.
More sores noted, than any other time. Cattle probably rubbing so much on brush and trees.
Cannot readily pen the cattle, without calling in the cowboys, for a roundup.

They are terrible in San Saba county.

We've been spraying as best we can with decent, but certainly not great, results.

Exceptionally bad in southeast Ellis county. I agree never seen them this bad.

Tough in Fayette co. Dragging the heavy areas helps.

Even bought three Purina mineral tubs, with the IGR "Clarifly", for the group of cows most uncooperative for spraying.
Seldom consider tubs a good investment, but trying to help regain control of the horn flies.

Cattle rubs hung out and treated with Lintox-D and the garlic flavored salt blocks have certainly been helping..

Yes! They've been horrible. Went out to bangs vaccinate a bunch of heifers the other day and I was covered in them. Little *******s were biting the crap out of me.
Don't know why they're so bad, but it's overwhelming fly tags.
Recommend bullets and dust bags.

Crow Valley said:

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Cattle rubs hung out and treated with Lintox-D and the garlic flavored salt blocks have certainly been helping..

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Which brand of salt block (Redmond?) and where are you buying them?

I use a compressed Air gun called Vet Gun. You load it with insecticide Vetcap balls. Then you shoot the insecticide balls onto the cattle.

Also other option is a gas powered air compressor sprayer on ATV that you can mix up insecticide and spray the cattle.

GasPasser97 said:

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Crow Valley said:

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Cattle rubs hung out and treated with Lintox-D and the garlic flavored salt blocks have certainly been helping..

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Which brand of salt block (Redmond?) and where are you buying them?

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Yes, Redmond Garlic salt blocks. Trick is to get them started on these prior to the flies getting this bad. Unfortunately, I'm in Northern Colorado and getting mine out of Nebraska delivered in.

Similar to y'all we just try to get close while they're eating cubes and just spray them over at Dad's place.

But the in-laws have a bigger herd and occasionally use a converted paintball gun for the really shy ones. They mainly hang up the dusting bags in a high traffic area. Across the gate between pastures if you're moving them around or on an approach to the water trough, just wherever it's possible and you have something to hang the line off. Usually will do something like three bags across a 10-12 foot opening.

Both groups have noticed higher fly counts as well recently, so you aren't the only one in the area.

yep, they are bad this year here too.

Once or twice a year, Ivomec pour on for parasites, this kills the flies for a little while, about two months.

About twice a year, pemethrin spray all of them when giving shots.

As needed, permethrin spray from the pickup when dropping some cubes.

I never have had any significant result from the feeds that ****** fly larvae growth.