For dairy and beef operations, controlling face and horn flies is essential for animal comfort and productivity. Fly tags that release insecticides into the cattle’s environment can provide weeks of protection with minimal handling. This guide highlights five relevant ear tags and identification tags that support fly control, livestock tracking, and herd management. Each option includes practical considerations, durability, and usage tips to help farmers choose the right tag strategy for their operation.
| Product | Brand | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Elanco CyLence Ultra Insecticide Cattle Ear Tags | Elanco | Multi-species fly and tick control with up to five months of protection |
| Lothee 100 Pcs Blank Cattle Ear Tags | Lothee | High-volume tagging solution for organized herd records |
| Blank Cattle Ear Tags 100 Pieces | NOMAL | Durable, weather-resistant blank tags for efficient record-keeping |
| DoubleFill 300 Pcs Livestock Ear Tags | DoubleFill | Large quantity with legible numbers for large herds |
| Cow Ear Tags Kit (RFID & Marker) | nonillionth | Comprehensive kit including tags, applicator, and marker for easy tagging |
Elanco CyLence Ultra Insecticide Cattle Ear Tags

Elanco CyLence Ultra ear tags provide multi-species fly and tick control for cattle and other ruminants. The product is designed to address face flies, horn flies, gulf coast ticks, and spinose ear ticks, offering practical protection for both beef and dairy cattle. The active ingredient, beta-cyfluthrin, is a synergized fifth-generation pyrethroid formulated to be effective while minimizing handling. Protection can last up to five months, reducing the frequency of tagging and veterinary interventions. Consider pairing with regular herd monitoring to maximize efficacy and monitor for any sensitivity among animals.
Lothee 100 Pcs Blank Cattle Ear Tags

These blank cattle ear tags provide a large 2.83 x 2.36 inch surface for writing essential information such as birth dates, bloodlines, and farm records. The white, fade-resistant design helps ensure long-term legibility in varied weather. Suitable for broad herd management, these tags emphasize organization and documentation, which can support inventory control, disease tracing, and breeding programs. Durable plastic construction aims to withstand outdoor conditions and rough handling typical of farm environments.
Blank Cattle Ear Tags 100 Pieces

These blank cattle ear tags by NOMAL are crafted from TPU for softness and bright color, designed to withstand extreme weather. The tag’s simple design makes it easy to write detailed animal information, supporting efficient data management for birth dates, bloodlines, medical history, and movements. The material is chosen to resist fading, maintaining readability over time. This option is well-suited for herds where frequent tagging or re-tagging is anticipated.
DoubleFill 300 Pcs Livestock Ear Tags

DoubleFill offers a bulk package of 001-100 numbered ear tags with a 300-piece count, suitable for large herds or multiple species. The tags are designed for comfort and readability, with a compact size that fits cattle, sheep, and goats without causing distress. The durable plastic construction resists wear and fading, supporting long-term use in demanding farm environments. This option emphasizes cost-effectiveness and scalability for expanding tagging operations.
Cow Ear Tags Kit (RFID & Marker)

The Cow Ear Tags Kit combines an ear tags applicator, 100 numbered tags, and an RFID-capable option with a marker pen for quick tagging and identification. The TPU tags are designed to resist fading, and the included stainless-steel applicator is compatible with many market tag sizes. This kit is designed to streamline tagging processes on farms, enabling quicker herd updates and improved traceability across breeding programs and health management. It covers both traditional tagging and RFID-enabled tracking needs.
MUDUOBAN Ear Tags For Cattle

MUDUOBAN offers white ear tags with number 001-100 for cattle, using TPU material that is soft yet durable. The tags are designed to be gentle on the animal while providing clear numbering for easy management and tracking. The size and build aim to balance comfort with legibility, making them suitable for routine tagging tasks in mixed herds. The product emphasizes resilient performance in farm conditions and straightforward information management.
100 Pieces Blank Cattle Ear Tags With Pliers

This set includes 100 blank TPU cattle ear tags along with a plier and two needles, offering a ready-to-use tagging package. The tags are designed to be weather-resistant and bright to maintain visibility in pasture or shelter settings. The included pliers facilitate faster tagging, making it suitable for farms that handle large numbers of livestock or require rapid updates to records for breeding, medical history, or transport documentation.
Buying Guide
Key considerations when choosing fly tags and related tagging equipment for cows include the following:
- Fly control vs. identification: If primary goal is fly protection, prioritize insecticide ear tags like CyLence Ultra; for data management, blank or RFID-enabled tags are essential.
- Durability and weather resistance: TPU and robust plastics withstand sun, rain, and cold. Look for fade-resistant surfaces and flexible materials that reduce ear damage.
- Tag size and animal comfort: Ensure tags are appropriately sized for cows to minimize discomfort and ensure readability after application.
- Application tools: A reliable ear tag applicator reduces stress on animals and speeds up tagging. Stainless steel parts can improve longevity.
- Data management: Consider labeling formats (numbers, letters, or RFID) that integrate with herd management software or record-keeping practices.
- Longevity and maintenance: Insecticide tags last months; plan replacement cycles around seasonal fly pressure and herd movement to maintain continuous protection.
- Cost and bulk needs: Large operations may benefit from bulk tags for cost efficiency, but ensure the product meets both tagging and identification requirements.
- Regulatory and welfare considerations: Follow best practices for handling and tagging to minimize animal stress and ensure compliance with farm welfare standards.
In sum, for cows, a balanced approach often combines an effective fly-control ear tag with reliable identification materials. Operators should assess their herd size, regional fly pressure, and data management needs to select a combination that delivers consistent protection and clear animal records over time.