Aussie Fly Trap Keeps Cattle Pest Free

Aussie Fly Trap keeps cattle pest free CROPS Insect Control 17-2-4 A new non-chemical approach to keeping cattle free from flies is catching on with Australian dairy farmers. Tent-like fly traps were developed by government researchers in an attempt to get away from the use of insecticides because the notorious Buffalo fly, with which Aussie cattlemen fight a constant battle, has started to build up resistance to chemical forms of control. The Australian dairy industry provided funds to develop a tunnel-like structure which is now on the market from Country Industries in Brendale, Queensland. The rounded-fabric structure looks like a small greenhouse and is constructed over a cattle rare. The roof consists of a solar-heat film. As cattle file through, flies are knocked off their hide by weighted blankets hung inside. Once they're knocked off, flies are attracted to the top of the trap by the natural light and that's where they're killed by the high temperature generated under the solar membrane in the roof. Farmers who've bought the first units on the market say they've been able to totally eliminate chemical usage by placing the fly trap where cattle are forced to pass through it several times a day. Eliminating chemicals helps pay for the unit, which sells for about $1,800. For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Country Industries Australia, 13 Johnston Rd., Brendale, Queensland 4500 Australia (ph 07-8811609; fax 07-88d10017).

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