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Face Flies
Name: Face Flies
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Family: Muscidae
Genus: Musca
Species: M. autumnalis
Habitat:
Face flies are generally found outdoors, usually around the eyes and nose of livestock. They only enter buildings during the fall to look for overwintering sites. They are also frequently seen in large numbers resting on rocks or fence posts. They avoid entering barns.
Food:
The adults feed upon secretions from the eyes, nose and lips. They are bloodsuckers – although unable to pierce the skin, they are attracted to any wound or sore on cattle.
Method of Travel:
Flying
Prevention:
- Current management practices primarily involve applying pesticides to cattle.
- Prevent face flies entering into buildings by sealing up cracks in the siding and around windows. Put screens over attic air vents, etc.
Steps to control:
- Good, long lasting, low-toxic methods of insect control can be done with Knock Down X-Max Flying & Crawling Insect Killer or other Knock Down products listed below.