Effective fly control in poultry houses - IPM strategies

By Blake Jackson

Flies are a persistent nuisance in poultry houses, posing health risks and disrupting communities. Fortunately, poultry farmers can win the battle with a well-rounded Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program.

• Know Your Enemy: House flies are the main culprits, but smaller "little house flies" and beneficial black garbage flies also exist.
• Monitor Smartly: Don't guess! Use sticky tapes, ribbons, or fly spot cards to track fly activity and identify areas needing attention. Aim for less than 100 flies per monitoring tool.
• Cultural Control is King: Focus on making the environment unfriendly to flies. This means managing manure moisture (below 30%), fixing water leaks, and maintaining good ventilation. Remove dead birds, eggs, and spilled feed promptly. Keep surrounding areas free of debris.
• Traps and Exclusion Help: While not a standalone solution, electric fly traps in specific areas, air curtains for deterring entry, and sticky fly strips can provide additional support.
• Nature's Allies: Introduce beneficial insects like hister beetles (fly egg and larvae predators) and parasitic wasps (kill fly pupae) to bolster natural fly control.
• Targeted Chemical Warfare: When other methods fall short, consider strategic use of insecticides to minimize resistance and protect beneficial insects. Larvicides (manure application), feed-through larvicides, adult fly baits, space sprays, and residual sprays are options, but always read labels and prioritize cultural methods first.
• Rotation and Integration are Key: To maintain effectiveness, rotate different insecticide classes when chemical control is necessary. Remember, chemicals are a backup, not the primary weapon.
• Year-Round Vigilance is Essential: Regularly inspect facilities, maintain manure management, monitor fly populations, consider regular beneficial insect releases, and have approved pesticides on hand as a last resort.

By adopting this multi-pronged approach, poultry farmers can significantly reduce flies, improve bird health, and foster positive relationships with their neighbors.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-branex