Using Dust Bags for Parasite Control

Cattle dusting bags (Dust Bags/ D-Bags) are a dispensing method of fly control powder (insecticide dust).  Major groups of parasites include several varieties of flies, lice, and mosquitoes. Dust bag and corresponding insecticide dust  have been effective in addressing problems related to horn flies, stable flies, face flies, biting lice, sucking lice, and mosquitoes.

Lee Townsend and Prof. Knapp, researchers from the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture (school of Entomology), provided comprehensive background information on different insects that affect cattle and the dust bags in their article “Insecticide dust bags for cattle insect control.”  Research is available for the use of dust bags for beef and dairy cattle.

“Dust bags are most effective in forced‐use situations where cattle have to pass under them regularly as they move to drink or eat. The bottom of the bag should be low (about 18” above the ground) so that the animal must lift it with its head to
pass through.  This provides good insecticide placement to manage face flies.  The animal is treated for horn flies and other biting flies as the bag drags along the backline. ” – Lee Townsend, Extension Entomologist – Univ of Kentucky, 2014