In July of 2024, after significant flooding in northwest Iowa, one packer reported 18% to 75% of market hog loads having carcass damage due to biting pests, says Colin Johnson, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach swine specialist. With the abundant rainfall in parts of the U.S. resulting in pools of stagnant water, he says it’s the perfect breeding environment for biting pests like flies and mosquitoes.
“Warm temperatures and wet/moist conditions, particularly stagnant water, propagate their lifecycle,” Johnson says. “Nearly every farmstead in the Midwest is a bit saturated at the moment.”
Time is of Essence
He reminds producers that insect populations can explode quickly. The adult pests often seen flying in the air or crawling represent a small portion (~15%) of the population.
That’s why lifecycle control and overlaying numerous site management steps such as drainage, mowing, ventilation, compost and manure management combined with insecticides and biological products such as sprays, feed additives, baits and traps is imperative.