We don't know anybody who has much use for flies, other than the creatures that eat them. There are many products at Gregg Farm Services designed to control flies on livestock: insecticide ear tags, pour-ons, insect growth regulators (IGRs) mineral supplements, oil slicks and insecticide sprays.

Livestock producers know that horn fly pressures of more than 200 flies per animal can result in up to a quart of blood loss, reduced grazing activity and an increased risk of anaplasmosis. All these symptoms result in lower weight gains and lost revenue. Come talk to Terry or Billy if you're puzzling about the best approach to livestock fly control.

We've had lots of customers complaining about the hoards of flies around their homes this season. We have plenty of products that can help control them.  And, here are some suggestions for things you can do to help control flies around your home and barn.

• Your  first defense for fly control is to eliminate breeding grounds. Adult flies need a place to lay their eggs, and a clean home or yard just won't appeal to a mama fly.
• Clean up all animal feces promptly. Any fresh, moist droppings will draw flies. Either bury it or use a pooper scooper and plastic bag to remove and seal the feces.
• Drain any moisture from kitchen scraps before throwing them away. Scrape your plates or other leftovers into a plastic garbage bag, tie the bag shut, and put it in a garbage can with a tight fighting lid. If you save kitchen scraps for your compost heap, add sawdust to your bin to help absorb moisture and odors that might attract flies.Turn your compost pile regularly, and don't put meats or animal waste in your compost bin.
• You can significantly reduce fly populations by keeping lids tightly closed on your trash cans, and making sure the cans have no holes. All garbage within the can should be bagged and tied closed.  Recycling can also attract flies. Rinse empty soda cans, beer bottles, etc. before tossing them in the recycling bin.
• Sticky fly paper does work, and is most useful when fly populations are low. Commercially available fly traps work well, especially for house flies. Traps usually contain some kind of food bait, sometimes in combination with a pheromone. Place fly traps where you see the most flies.
• Long-term insecticides are applied to areas in which flies tend to congregate, i.e., around feeders, water, or flat beams. Fogs and mists are intended for daily use.