How Do Mosquitoes Affect Cattle?
WouterWhether you own a large livestock farm or a small family dairy, mosquitoes are a real nuisance. They can irritate livestock, transmit viruses, and cause allergies.
There are several ways to deal with the problem. One of the best ways is to drain standing water on your property. It’s also a good idea to check your cattle for soggy spots. If there is standing water on your property, you should drain it and remove the standing water container. You may also want to install drainage holes on the sides of your animal feeders.
Another method of reducing mosquito populations is to use natural water traps. These can be old tree stumps with hollow centers or rotting foliage. They can be used to catch mosquitoes and other flying insects.
You can also apply insecticides to livestock. Some are registered products. They include carbamates and organophosphates. You should consult your veterinarian before using these products.
Using insecticides can be expensive, but they are effective in controlling mosquitoes. Typically, low-volume or ultra-low volume sprays are used. They can also be applied by hand.
Other ways to deal with mosquitoes include using screens on windows and doors. If you use a mosquito repellent, use one that is not DEET.
Using a fan can also help disperse mosquitoes. You should also remove any overgrown containers and dispose of them.
Aerial spraying of insecticides is also available. You can find out when local parishes will be spraying by checking your local radio.
