diff --git a/calico/felix/ipsets.py b/calico/felix/ipsets.py
index aa93094bc83..39abe67bf33 100644
--- a/calico/felix/ipsets.py
+++ b/calico/felix/ipsets.py
@@ -38,6 +38,10 @@
 
 
 class IpsetManager(ReferenceManager):
+    # Using a larger batch delay here significantly reduces CPU usage when
+    # we're under heavy churn.
+    batch_delay = 0.05
+
     def __init__(self, ip_type, config):
         """
         Manages all the ipsets for tags for either IPv4 or IPv6.