When fly season hits, cattle producers start looking for the most effective—and practical—way to reduce pressure from horn flies, face flies, stable flies, and other biting pests. But with so many fly control options available, it can be hard to know which program fits your operation and nutrition program best.
Three common approaches include:
- Garlic-based supplements
- Altosid® IGR (Insect Growth Regulator)
- ClariFly® feed-through laravcide
Each works differently, and each has advantages depending on your management style, herd size, labor availability, and fly pressure.
Let’s break them down.
Option 1: Garlic
A Natural Fly Deterrent
One increasingly popular option is garlic-infused products like the Redmond garlic mineral block, however all of our product lines have a garlic option.
Garlic works by making cattle less attractive to biting pests. After the garlic compounds are metabolized, garlic is excreted through the sweat glands and repels those biting pests. The garlic products in addition to trace minerals and/or protein work as a natural fly deterrence in a single supplement.
How It Works
Garlic doesn’t kill flies. Instead, it helps repel them naturally.
A Saskatchewan Department of Agriculture field study referenced by the manufacturer found cattle consuming garlic mineral salt had approximately 55% fewer flies than control groups.
Benefits of Garlic Fly Control
- Natural alternative to chemical fly products
- Easy free-choice feeding program
- Provides minerals and fly support together
- No known resistance buildup like some chemical controls
- Does not affect milk flavor according to manufacturer information
Potential Drawbacks
- Typically offers moderate fly reduction rather than total control
- Results can vary depending on intake consistency
- May not be enough during severe fly pressure
- Works best as part of a broader fly management program
Best Fit For:
- Producers wanting a natural approach
- Low-to-moderate fly pressure environments
- Smaller herd size
- Operations reducing chemical usage
- Options for all types of livestock
Option 2: Altosid® IGR
Fast Knockdown and Multi-Pest Control
The active ingredient in Altosid® IGR has no known horn fly resistance and is not harmful to beneficial insects, such as dung beetles.
Altosid® IGR is an insect growth regulator (IGR) that passes through the animal and into the manure, where horn flies lay their eggs. It breaks the horn fly life cycle by preventing pupae from developing into biting adult flies.
Benefits of Altosid® IGR
- Breaks the horn fly life cycle
- Prevents pupae from developing into biting adult flies
Potential Drawbacks
- Must start early before flies appear
- Requires consistent daily intake
Best Fit For:
- High fly pressure situations
- Horn flies focused control
- Larger pasture-based herds
- Producers wanting season-long prevention
- Operations minimizing cattle handling
- Integrated fly management programs
Option 3: ClariFly® Feed-Through Larvacide
Breaking the Fly Life Cycle
Feed-through technologies like CRYSTALYX Mineral-lyx with ClariFly® take a prevention-focused approach.
Rather than killing adult flies directly, ClariFly® prevents fly larvae from developing in manure after cattle consume the supplement.
How It Works
ClariFly® passes through the animal and enters manure, where flies normally lay eggs. The ingredient interrupts larval development so immature flies never become biting adults.
The product targets:
- Horn flies
- Face flies
- House flies
- Stable flies
Benefits of ClariFly® Programs
- Reduces future fly populations
- Continuous control through self-feeding
- Less labor than repeated pour-ons
- Works well in herd-wide programs
- Also supplies minerals and nutrition support
Potential Drawbacks
- Does not kill existing adult flies
- Must start early before flies appear
- Requires consistent daily intake
- Results may take time to notice
Best Fit For:
- Larger pasture-based herds
- Producers wanting season-long prevention
- Operations minimizing cattle handling
- Integrated fly management programs
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Garlic Mineral | IGR | ClariFly® Feed-Through |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Action | Repels flies naturally | Kills adult pests + disrupts growth | Prevents fly larvae development |
| Speed of Results | Gradual | Fast | Preventive |
| Labor Required | Low | Moderate to high | Low |
| Chemical-Free Option | Mostly natural | No | No |
| Controls Existing Adult Flies | Partially | Yes | No |
| Resistance Concerns | Low | None known | Lower risk |
| Best Use | Natural support | Immediate knockdown | Long-term prevention |
So… Which One Is Best?
The “best” fly control depends on your operation goals. No matter what consistant intake is a MUST, no product will work if they arent consuming it regualarly.
The Most Effective Strategy? Often a Combination.
Many successful producers combine methods:
- ClariFly® or Altosid® IGR for season-long prevention
- Garlic for added natural deterrence
- Pour-ons during peak fly outbreaks
- Oilers with rubbing stations
Integrated fly control programs usually outperform relying on a single product alone.
At the end of the day, consistency matters more than chasing the newest trend. The best fly program is the one your cattle actually consume consistently and your operation can realistically maintain throughout fly season.
