Natural Fly Control for Cattle: Why We Use Garlic at Silo Springs Ranch
Fly season comes fast—and if you wait until you see the first flies, you're already behind the curve. At Silo Springs Ranch, we take a proactive, all-natural approach to fly control by incorporating garlic powder into our free-choice mineral mix. It’s a low-cost, effective way to reduce flies, keep cattle stress-free, and maintain a grass-fed, organic-friendly program.
Why Flies Are a Serious Problem for Cattle
Flies aren’t just a nuisance—they actively harm cattle in multiple ways:
Biting and blood loss: Stable flies and horn flies bite, causing irritation and open wounds.
Stress and discomfort: Cattle distracted by flies swing their tails, stomp, and pace instead of grazing.
Weight loss and reduced gains: A stressed cow eats less, leading to lower weight gains.
Disease transmission: Flies spread pink eye, anaplasmosis, and other illnesses.
Flies cost ranchers money in lost weight gain, lower conception rates, and veterinary expenses. That’s why we focus on a preventative approach.
How Garlic Works for Fly Control
Garlic works from the inside out. When cattle consume garlic powder, it releases sulfur compounds through their skin, making them less attractive to flies. Unlike chemical sprays, flies do not develop a resistance to garlic, making it a long-term solution.
We mix garlic powder into our free-choice mineral starting about six weeks before fly season and continue until we no longer see flies at agricultural events. Since garlic passes through a cow’s digestive system in about two days, they need continuous access all season.
Proven Effectiveness: What Studies Say
Research supports the use of garlic for fly control. A study published in Beef Magazine noted that garlic-fed cattle saw a 50% decrease in flies compared to control groups. However, based on our experience at Silo Springs Ranch, we notice an even higher reduction.
How We Feed Garlic to Our Cattle
We mix garlic powder directly into our free-choice mineral. Our herd has multiple access points to our loose mineral to prevent overcrowding at a single mineral station. In the early weeks, cattle tend to eat more as they check out the new addition, but their intake naturally levels out over time.
Does Garlic Affect Beef Flavor?
Absolutely not! While garlic impacts fly control through the cow’s skin, it doesn’t alter the taste of the beef. That’s because the active compounds do not store in fat or muscle tissue. So, our customers can enjoy the same high-quality, pasture-raised beef without worry.
Why We Choose Garlic
Traditional fly control methods include pour-ons, fly tags, and chemical sprays. While these can be effective, they come with concerns:
Chemicals break down over time, requiring reapplication.
Fly resistance is an issue, making some treatments less effective each year.
Potential residues in meat can be a concern for customers who prefer a natural approach.
Garlic is a cost-effective, natural solution that fits seamlessly into our ranch’s commitment to sustainable and humane cattle management.
Can This Work for Other Livestock?
Yes! While we primarily use garlic for our cattle, we plan to incorporate it into our lamb herd in the future. Many ranchers report success using garlic for horses, goats, and sheep, though each species may require different amounts.
Final Thoughts: The Key Is Starting Early
The most common mistake ranchers make with fly control? Waiting too long to start. If you wait until flies are swarming, you’ve already lost ground.
At Silo Springs Ranch, we prioritize low-stress cattle management, and reducing fly irritation is a huge part of that. Happy cows mean better weight gain, better breeding success, and ultimately, better beef.
Got questions about our approach to natural cattle care? Drop us a comment —we love talking about ways to improve herd health!