Scientists in Japan have been cleverly painting ‘zebra stripes’ on cows in
attempts to ward off biting flies. It reduces the number of flies by more
than fifty percent.
Biting flies are some of the most damaging pests to cattle in the world –
causing significant stress to the animals – cows graze less, eat less, sleep
less.
This also forces them to bunch together into tightly clumped
groups, raising the risk of injuries.
Animal scientists have been studying the function of zebras’ distinct
stripes, and a growing consensus now confirms that they deter insects,
possibly by confusing bugs’ motion detection systems that control
approach and landing.
However, this solution is only temporary since the paint washes off after
a few weeks so more permanent solutions will need to be tested.
The cattle industry commonly sprays pesticides to combat biting flies,
but the researchers say that painting stripes with non-toxic materials
could be cheaper, healthier for livestock, and better for the environment.
