With options for fly-control solutions growing by the day, it can be difficult to know which product to select. This decision carries additional considerations when seeking the best product for horn flies. But while many options tout an "all-in-one" approach that will control all fly species, we like to remind customers that there is no silver bullet when it comes to fly control.
When it comes to horn fly infestations on cattle, the best results are going to come from a product designed specifically to control horn flies, Altosid® IGR. As you weigh your product options, consider the top three benefits to selecting horn-fly specific control:
- Precise Control -- Most feed-through fly control solutions work by breaking the fly life cycle, regardless of species, preventing the emergence of adult flies. Altosid® IGR was designed specifically to break the horn fly life cycle. The active ingredient mimics naturally occurring insect biochemicals specific to the horn fly that are responsible for insect development, preventing larvae from maturing into biting, breeding adult flies.
- Protect Non-Target Species -- Because Altosid® IGR was developed for horn flies, the product has no harmful effect on beneficial insects. While residual insecticides, such as organophosphates, are toxic to beneficial insects, such as coprophagous flies and beetles, predaceous beetles, parasitic wasps and dung beetles, Altosid® IGR does not harm these insects or disrupt dung composition.
- Prevent Resistance -- Not only is Altosid® IGR the recommended horn fly control solution, it is the original horn fly control solution. It was the first feed-through larvicide to receive EPA approval in 1975, and because of its target-specific mode of action, it remains effective to this day. After more than 40 years, there have been no known cases of resistance among horn flies.
To learn more about the benefits of horn-fly specific control, watch our "Feed Through 101" video featuring our own Tom McBeth:
