Blood Sucking Fly Torments Texas Livestock Day And Night

If you have ever seen small flies swarming around the faces of cows, you might have witnessed a horn fly attack. According to Cary Sims, Angelina County extension agent, they can cause weight loss and lower milk production in cattle.

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The horn fly invaded Texas in the 1800s from Europe on boats. They got their name from the fact that they seemed to congregate around the horns of cattle.

Now we know that they will put up shop just about anywhere on livestock. They look like house flies, but much smaller, and have a thirst for blood.

Blood Thirsty Horn Flies Have A Disgusting Life Cycle

Female horn flies have to deposit their eggs in a fresh cow patty before it dries. It must be less than one hour old or the surface will harden, making it impossible to get them inside.

They will turn into maggots for about 15 days, and then emerge as a new crop of horn flies. When spring heats up, the warm, humid days will make their populations explode.

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They torment the cattle because they puncture the skin to suck their blood. Their bites can cause extensive hide damage, ruining any chances of selling them as leather goods.

Horn Flies Carry Disgusting Diseases

I am glad that horn flies don't find us as tasty meals, but if you are around cattle enough, it is possible. They transmit several different diseases, and they prefer cattle, but in a pinch, they have been known to feed on horses, dogs, pigs, and yes, even us humans.

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