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Articles by David Boxler
Rangeland Grasshoppers in 2025
Grasshoppers have been recognized as a periodic problem in Nebraska for many years. Pasture grasshopper species that are most damaging are found in areas with less than 30 inches of annual rainfall. Two-thirds of Western Nebraska fall into this rainfall category. With the occurrence of consecutive years of drought, grasshopper outbreaks are possible. The past several years southwestern, southcentral, and western Nebraska have experienced below normal precipitation.
Frequencies of house fly proto-Y chromosomes across populations are predicted by temperature heterogeneity within populations
Abstract Sex chromosomes often differ between closely related species and can even be polymorphic within populations. Species with polygenic sex determination segregate for multiple different sex determining loci within populations, making them uniquely informative of the selection pressures that drive the evolution of sex chromosomes.
Late Season Pasture Fly Control: What You Need to Know
Late August and September usually signal pasture fly season should be ending. However, over the last few years our fall seasons have remained warm, sometimes well into early November and flies persist at problematic levels longer than typical. This upcoming fall season may be no different based on several meteorology forecasts. If these predictions hold true, pasture fly control efforts may be required through late fall.
A push‐pull strategy to suppress stable fly (Diptera: Muscidae) attacks on pasture cattle via a coconut oil fatty acid repellent formulation and traps with m‐cresol lures
Abstract BACKGROUND Stable flies (Stomoxys calcitrans (L.)) are economically important pests of cattle and other livestock. As an alternative to conventional insecticides, we tested a push-pull management strategy using a coconut oil fatty acid repellent formulation and an attractant-added stable fly trap. RESULTS In our field trials we found that weekly applications of a push-pull strategy can reduce stable fly populations on cattle as well as a standard insecticide (permethrin).
Winter Tick: What You Need to Know
Winter has been much colder than last year. The colder temperatures enhance “Winter Tick” survival. Yes, we do have a tick species that is very active during winter, and it can impact livestock. Over the last 10 years I have received numerous tick specimens in January, February, and March. All specimens were removed from horses. Now is the time to carefully examine horses for the winter tick.
Horn Flies: Impact and Control Options for Pastured Cattle
As temperatures warm, pasture fly season is just around the corner. The horn fly, has been and continues to be a major fly pest of pasture and rangeland cattle across the U. S. During a warm spring in Nebraska, horn flies can be seen on cattle as early as the third week of April. Historically, horn flies appearing during this period may perish from cold fronts arriving later in the month, or in early May.
Controlling Flies Associated with Cattle in Dry Lots
Fly control needs to be considered whether in a dry lot or grazing. ( University of Nebraska ) Maintaining beef cattle in a dry lot is an alternative management system to traditional pasture or range beef production initially developed to offset the lack of pasture during drought conditions. Dry lot management continues to be used in situations when grazing is unavailable. There is one production issue that remains constant for any livestock producer in any management system, and that is flies.
Controlling Horn Flies on Pastured Cattle
Cow with a high number of horn flies. ( Dave Boxler, University of Nebraska Extension ) Livestock producers will soon be sending cattle to summer pastures. Horn flies are a perennial pest of pastured cattle since their introduction from Europe in the 1880s. The horn fly spends most of its time on cattle, mainly on the animal’s backs, sides and when temperatures are very warm, on the belly region.
Controlling Horn Flies on Pastured Cattle
Cow with a high number of horn flies. ( Dave Boxler, University of Nebraska Extension ) Livestock producers will soon be sending cattle to summer pastures. Horn flies are a perennial pest of pastured cattle since their introduction from Europe in the 1880s. The horn fly spends most of its time on cattle, mainly on the animal’s backs, sides and when temperatures are very warm, on the belly region.
Dealing with Winter Ticks
Tick infestations can sometimes go unnoticed, especially during winter. ( Dave Boxler, University of Nebraska Extension ) During the past two years, I have received several tick samples removed from horses. The first week of January, I received my first sample for 2019. Yes, one tick species thrives during Nebraska winters and that is the winter tick.
Dealing with Winter Ticks
Tick infestations can sometimes go unnoticed, especially during winter. ( Dave Boxler, University of Nebraska Extension ) During the past two years, I have received several tick samples removed from horses. The first week of January, I received my first sample for 2019. Yes, one tick species thrives during Nebraska winters and that is the winter tick.
Controlling Horn Flies on Pastured Cattle
Pasture fly season is approaching and now is the time to evaluate your horn fly management plan for the 2018 grazing season. First, re-evaluate last year’s plan. Did it provide adequate fly control? If yes, do you have a resistance management plan for the new fly season? If fly control was less than desired, now is the time to alter the plan and make necessary changes to reduce impact of horn flies on pastured cattle.
Controlling Horn Flies on Pastured Cattle
Pasture fly season is approaching and now is the time to evaluate your horn fly management plan for the 2018 grazing season. First, re-evaluate last year’s plan. Did it provide adequate fly control? If yes, do you have a resistance management plan for the new fly season? If fly control was less than desired, now is the time to alter the plan and make necessary changes to reduce impact of horn flies on pastured cattle.
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