Main Livestock Pests

Identification, Risks and Prevention of Livestock Pests

With the arrival of spring and summer, rising temperatures encourage the activity of numerous livestock pests.

Flies, mosquitoes, mites, lice, fleas, ticks and rodents can affect livestock facilities and animal welfare.

Prevention, cleaning and the selection of suitable products are essential for keeping livestock premises in good condition.

Correctly identifying livestock pests makes it possible to choose the most appropriate control measures and reduce risks to animals and people.

Pest Control in Livestock Facilities

The presence of insects and parasites can cause stress in animals, make daily livestock management more difficult and compromise hygiene and sanitary conditions.

A preventive strategy combines regular cleaning, the removal of organic matter, humidity control and inspections of areas where pests may shelter or reproduce.

To control livestock pests and insects in these facilities, an insecticide intended for livestock premises may be considered, provided that the intended use is covered by the product’s relevant instructions and authorisations.

Livestock pests requiring particular attention include ants, fleas, ticks and various insects associated with organic waste.

Each pest has specific characteristics and risks, so it is important to identify it before selecting a control method.

Pests in Facilities and Nearby Vegetation

In addition to parasites that directly affect animals, livestock farms may also be affected by insects originating from gardens, crops and damp areas.

• Ants: The Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) and some garden ants, such as those belonging to the genus Lasius, can enter storage areas and feeding zones.
• Fleas (Ctenocephalides spp.): These can infest certain animals and cause itching, irritation and discomfort.
• Ticks: Different species feed on animal blood and can transmit pathogens.
• Aphids (family Aphididae): These feed on plant sap and can affect crops and vegetation near livestock facilities. They should not be confused with animal parasites.

Identifying the species is essential to avoid unnecessary treatments and select the most appropriate livestock pest control method.

Major Pests in Poultry Farming

Poultry farms require particular attention because litter, nests, cracks and organic waste can encourage the proliferation of insects and mites.

Mites and Poultry Parasites

• Poultry red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae): It hides in cracks and structural features and feeds on blood, mainly at night. It can cause stress, anaemia and reduced productivity.
• Poultry mites (Ornithonyssus spp.): Certain mites in this genus parasitise birds and can cause irritation and discomfort.
• Poultry lice (families Menoponidae and Philopteridae): These live among the feathers and can cause itching, feather damage and stress.
• Scaly leg mites (Knemidocoptes spp.): These can cause lesions, scabs and thickening of the skin, particularly on the legs.
• Other mites associated with litter and poultry houses: These may be found in nests, cracks and organic materials. It is important to distinguish them from mites that directly parasitise birds.

When a red mite infestation is detected, particular attention should be paid to areas where the parasite hides. For this specific problem, a product for eliminating poultry red mites may be considered, always checking the applicable instructions for use in the facility.

Flies and Other Insects

• Housefly (Musca domestica): It breeds in organic materials and waste and can carry microorganisms and contaminate surfaces.
• Stable fly (Stomoxys calcitrans): It feeds on blood and causes painful bites, restlessness and stress in livestock.
• Mosquitoes (family Culicidae): Their bites cause discomfort, and some species can transmit diseases.
• Small flies associated with livestock facilities: Various species can develop in drains, damp areas and organic matter. Identification is necessary to determine the appropriate treatment.
• Fly larvae: Depending on the species, these can develop in manure, bedding and damp waste.
• Cockroaches: The German cockroach (Blattella germanica), Oriental cockroach (Blatta orientalis) and American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) can contaminate surfaces, utensils and storage areas.
• Lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus): This beetle occurs in certain poultry farms and develops in litter and organic waste. It can compromise hygiene and act as a carrier of certain pathogens.
• Dung beetles: Some species colonise manure and other organic materials, so their presence depends on environmental conditions and waste management practices.

Pests in Feed and Grain Storage Areas

The storage of grains, flour and animal feed can be affected by insects and mites that damage products and compromise their hygienic quality.

The most common pests include:

• Grain weevils (Sitophilus spp.): These can attack stored grain and reduce its quality.
• Flour beetles (Tribolium castaneum and Tribolium confusum): These infest flour, processed cereals and other stored products.
• Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella): Its larvae can contaminate stored products with silken threads and waste.
• Mediterranean flour moth (Ephestia kuehniella): This can develop in flour and other cereal-based products.
• Storage mites (Acarus spp. and Tyrophagus spp.): These can proliferate in stored products when humidity is high.
• Ants: These can enter storage areas in search of food and contaminate storage zones.

To prevent these infestations, it is essential to keep storage areas clean, inspect feed and grain, prevent spills and control humidity.

Early detection helps prevent a localised infestation from spreading to other products.

Cleaning and Disinfection of Livestock Facilities

Good hygiene reduces the factors that encourage livestock pest infestations. Before disinfecting, it is important to remove dirt, dust, organic residues and deteriorated bedding.

Cleaning should be complemented by proper manure management, drain maintenance, crack repairs and the prevention of standing water.

In warehouses and silos, it is also essential to control humidity, clean up feed spills and inspect stored products regularly.

Disinfection does not replace cleaning and does not, by itself, guarantee the control of insects and mites. Each intervention must be adapted to the facility and the identified pest.

Integrated Pest Prevention and Control

An integrated pest management programme combines preventive measures, regular inspections, species identification and corrective actions when necessary.

The main preventive measures include:

• Remove manure, feed residues and other organic waste frequently.
• Keep bedding dry and in good condition.
• Prevent standing water and control humidity.
• Clean and inspect storage areas, silos, feeders and drinkers.
• Inspect cracks, nests and hard-to-reach areas.
• Monitor the presence of adult insects, larvae, mites and signs of infestation.
• Use only products suitable for the intended application, following label instructions and protecting animals and people.

When a specific treatment is required, it is important to assess the product’s composition and authorised uses.

For example, a natural insecticide for pest control may be an option to consider depending on the pest and the environment, provided its technical data sheet covers the intended use.

Prevention and early detection help reduce infestations, protect animal welfare, preserve feed quality and maintain safe, clean and productive livestock facilities.

Antonio Iglesias

Specialist in pest control and pest prevention solutions, with 20 years of practical experience in the sector and in researching effective methods for keeping homes, gardens, and commercial spaces free of pests in a safe and sustainable manner. In addition, he is an advocate for ecological and humane practices in pest control, promoting solutions that respect the environment and minimize the impact on human and animal health.

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