Barnyard Bite Prevention
Flea & Tick Control for Livestock in Atlantic Canada 

Protecting Cattle, Sheep, Goats & Pigs from Seasonal Parasites 

 

When warmer weather arrives in Atlantic Canada, livestock owners know that pest season is never far behind. While flies often get most of the attention on the farm, fleas and ticks can also create problems for cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs — especially on farms with wooded pasture, tall grass, brush lines, damp bedding, or mixed animal housing. 

Flea and tick prevention for livestock is an important part of seasonal animal health. These small pests can cause skin irritation, scratching, hair loss, discomfort, reduced weight gain, and stress on your animals. Ticks may also carry disease, making regular prevention and inspection an important habit for farms across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland. 

At Feeds’n Needs, we carry livestock pest control products, barn insect sprays, fly traps, bedding, dust bath supplies, and animal health essentials to help keep your herd, flock, and barn protected through flea, tick, and fly season. 

 

Which Animals Are Most at Risk?
Every farm is different, but these animals commonly encounter ticks in Atlantic Canada: 

• Cattle grazing wooded fence lines or rough pasture 
• Goats that browse brush and shrubs 
• Sheep in long pasture or bushy paddocks 
• Outdoor pigs rooting in wooded or grassy areas
  Peak tick activity typically occurs through spring and early summer, with another increase during the fall, although ticks can remain active whenever temperatures stay mild. 

 

Signs Your Livestock May Have Fleas or Ticks
Keep an eye out for:

• Excessive scratching or rubbing 
• Hair loss or damaged coats
  
• Scabs or irritated skin 
• Visible ticks attached around the ears, neck, brisket, udder, tail, or under the legs. 
• Restlessness while grazing 
• Poor weight gain or reduced productivity in heavy infestations
  Checking animals during routine handling is one of the easiest ways to catch problems before they become severe. 

Prevention Starts in the Pasture
The best flea and tick control is best combined with good management and the right animal health products. 

Rotate Pastures: Rotational grazing helps reduce the time livestock spend in heavily infested areas while improving pasture health. 

Mow High-Traffic Areas: Keeping grass shorter around gates, waterers, laneways, and handling facilities reduces places where ticks like to wait for passing animals. 

Trim Brush Along Fence Lines: Ticks thrive in damp, shaded vegetation. Clearing back brush and overgrown edges reduces ideal habitat. 

Inspect New Animals: Before introducing new livestock into the herd or flock, give them a thorough health check to help prevent bringing unwanted parasites onto the farm. 

Integrated pest management—combining pasture management, monitoring, and appropriate treatments—is considered the most effective long-term approach for controlling livestock pests while reducing reliance on pesticides alone. 

 

Barn Tips That Make a Difference
Many parasites spend part of their life cycle away from the animal, making barn hygiene just as important as treating livestock. 

A few simple habits can help: 

• Replace wet or heavily soiled bedding regularly. 
• Remove manure frequently to discourage insect breeding. 
• Improve ventilation to reduce damp conditions. 
• Keep feed storage areas clean to discourage rodents and wildlife. 
• Seal cracks and repair damaged walls where pests can hide. 
• Clean pens thoroughly between groups of animals.
  A clean barn is one of the easiest ways to reduce parasite pressure throughout the season. 

Products Available at Feeds’n Needs
Every farm has different needs, so choosing the right product depends on the species, age, and management system. 

Visit your local Feeds’n Needs for products such as: 

• Livestock fly and tick control products 
• Pour-on insecticide treatments* 
• Premise and barn insect sprays 
• Fly traps and sticky traps 
• Livestock dust bags and applicators 
• Mineral supplements to support overall health 
• Bedding products that help keep housing clean and dry
  Our knowledgeable staff can help you choose products that are labelled for your specific livestock species and explain proper application and withdrawal requirements. 

*Always read and follow the product label before use. Use only products approved for the species you are treating and observe all meat and milk withdrawal periods where applicable. 

Don’t Forget Daily Herd Checks
During tick season, a quick visual inspection while feeding or moving livestock can save time and money later. 

Pay special attention to: 

• Around the ears 
• Under the jaw 
• Between the legs 
• Tail head 
• Udder or sheath 
• Neck and shoulders
  Removing attached ticks early and treating infestations promptly helps reduce stress on your animals and limits further spread. 

We’re Here to Help 

Whether you raise a few backyard goats or manage a commercial beef herd, preventing fleas and ticks is far easier than dealing with a heavy infestation later in the season. 

Stop by your nearest Feeds’n Needs location for advice on livestock parasite control, barn management products, and seasonal animal health supplies. Our team is here to help keep your animals healthy, comfortable, and productive all summer long.