6 Best Cow Face Brushes For Fly Control That Keep Herds Calm
Cow face brushes provide effective fly control and reduce herd stress. Discover our top 6 picks for improving animal welfare and keeping your herd calm.
Fly season can turn a peaceful pasture into a scene of constant agitation. You’ll see heads tossing, tails whipping, and cattle bunching up, all signs of stress that can impact everything from weight gain to milk production. The right tools can make a world of difference, and a good cow brush is one of the most effective, low-effort solutions you can implement. It’s not just about comfort; it’s a critical part of an integrated pest management strategy that keeps your herd calm and healthy.
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Why Cow Brushes Are Key for Herd Well-Being
A cow brush does two essential jobs at once: it satisfies a cow’s natural instinct to scratch and groom, and it helps manage external parasites like flies. When a cow can rub against a sturdy brush, it’s not just getting a good scratch. It’s also removing loose hair, dirt, and, most importantly, dislodging irritating flies and other pests from its face, back, and sides.
This simple act of self-grooming is a massive stress reliever. A stressed animal is more susceptible to illness and less productive, a real concern on a small farm where every animal counts. Providing a dedicated scratching station prevents cattle from rubbing on fences, gates, or buildings, which can cause costly damage over time. Think of it as preventative maintenance for both your animals and your infrastructure.
Happycow Swing Brush for Maximum Cow Comfort
If you’re looking for the gold standard in cow comfort, an automated swinging brush is it. These are typically large, powered brushes that start rotating when a cow pushes against them. The brush swings and contours to the cow’s body, providing a thorough scratch from head to tail. Cows absolutely love them, and you’ll often see them lined up to take a turn.
The major benefit is a noticeably calmer herd. The downside, however, is significant: cost and complexity. These units require electricity, professional installation, and periodic maintenance. For a hobby farmer with just a couple of cows, it’s likely overkill. But if you have a small herd of five or more and a barn with power, the investment can pay for itself in reduced stress and a more pleasant environment for everyone.
Behlen Country Cattle Oiler for Pest Defense
This tool is less of a "brush" and more of a dedicated fly control applicator. A cattle oiler typically consists of a reservoir that you fill with a fly control solution (like a permethrin-based liquid or even a natural oil mixture) and a durable, absorbent applicator, often a canvas or mop-like material that the cattle rub against. The rubbing action applies the solution directly to their faces and backs, where flies are most bothersome.
The Behlen is a workhorse for pest defense, but it’s not primarily for grooming satisfaction. Its main job is to keep your herd treated with minimal effort on your part. The tradeoff is the ongoing cost of the insecticide or oil and the need to monitor and refill the reservoir. It’s an excellent choice if your primary goal is aggressive, passive fly control rather than simple scratching comfort.
EasySwing Brush: A Simple, Non-Electric Option
The EasySwing is the perfect middle ground between a simple stationary post and a fully automated brush. It’s a non-electric, spring-loaded brush that hangs from a sturdy post or wall. When a cow pushes on it, the brush swings and moves, allowing the animal to scratch its head, neck, and sides effectively.
This design offers a huge advantage for hobby farms: no electricity required. You can install it in a pasture, a lean-to, or an old barn without worrying about wiring. It’s durable, relatively low-cost, and provides much of the grooming benefit of a powered brush without the maintenance headaches. It’s a simple, mechanical solution that works exceptionally well for small herds.
ScratchnAll Pads: A Versatile Scratching Solution
Sometimes the best solutions are the simplest. ScratchnAll pads are small, durable rubber or plastic squares with firm nubs that you can mount virtually anywhere. You can arrange them in a grid on a wall, wrap them around a corner post, or place them low for calves. This modularity is their greatest strength.
For face fly control, these pads are fantastic. A cow can safely rub its eyes and face on the nubs without the risk of injury from stiff bristles. While they won’t provide a full-body scratch like a large brush, they are perfect for targeted relief. You can install a few pads exactly where you see your animals trying to scratch. They are inexpensive, indestructible, and a great way to add enrichment and comfort to any part of your barn or pasture.
Itchin’ Post Groomer: Heavy-Duty Pasture Choice
If your herd spends most of its time on pasture, a free-standing groomer is an excellent investment. The Itchin’ Post is a classic example—a central, heavy-duty post with multiple stiff-bristled brushes attached at different angles. It’s built to be concreted into the ground and can withstand years of abuse from a herd.
This type of groomer is all about durability and placement flexibility. You can set it up near a water trough or mineral feeder to encourage use. While its main purpose is scratching, the constant grooming action helps keep coats clean and dislodges pests, making cattle less attractive to flies in the first place. It’s a passive, long-term tool for herd comfort that requires almost zero maintenance once installed.
Cattle-Rub Applicator for Targeted Fly Treatment
Don’t confuse this with a brush; a cattle-rub is a purpose-built tool for applying insecticide. It’s typically a long, absorbent rope or canvas "rub" that you soak in a fly control solution and hang in a high-traffic area, like a gateway between pastures or the entrance to the barn. As cattle pass under it, the solution is wicked onto their backs and faces.
This is arguably the most efficient way to apply fly treatment to a whole herd with zero hands-on effort. It’s a low-cost, low-tech solution that is incredibly effective, especially for controlling horn flies and face flies. The key is strategic placement where every animal has to pass under it regularly. It’s not for scratching, but as a component of your fly control system, it’s hard to beat for its simplicity and effectiveness.
Choosing the Right Brush for Your Small Herd
There’s no single "best" option; the right choice depends entirely on your specific setup and goals. Before you buy, think through a few key factors to avoid wasting money on a tool that doesn’t fit your farm.
Consider these points to make your decision:
- Primary Goal: Are you focused on cow comfort and stress reduction, or is aggressive pest control your top priority? For comfort, a swinging brush or Itchin’ Post is great. For pest control, an oiler or cattle-rub is superior.
- Power & Location: Do you have electricity in your barn? If not, powered options are out. A non-electric swinging brush, scratching pads, or a pasture post are your best bets.
- Budget: Solutions range from under a hundred dollars for some scratching pads to several thousand for a powered brush. Be realistic about what you need versus what would be a luxury.
- The Hybrid Approach: The best solution is often a combination. You might install an Itchin’ Post in the pasture for general grooming and hang a simple cattle-rub in the barn doorway for targeted fly treatment during peak season. This layered approach often yields the best results for a calm, comfortable herd.
Ultimately, managing flies and stress is a fundamental part of good animal husbandry. Investing in the right brush or applicator isn’t an indulgence; it’s a practical tool that promotes a calmer, healthier, and more productive herd. By observing your animals and understanding your farm’s limitations, you can choose a solution that works for you and your cattle.
