Managing Flies with Fly Predators

This guide explains how to use fly predators effectively to control the fly population around livestock. Flies are a common nuisance for farms, especially with goats, horses, and chickens, but fly predators offer a natural and efficient solution.

What Are Fly Predators?

Fly predators are tiny insects that target flies during their larval stage. They work by:

• Eliminating fly larvae before they can mature.
• Reducing fly populations naturally without chemical sprays or traps.

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How to Use Fly Predators

1. Order Fly Predators:
   • Purchase from specialized companies (search for “fly predators” online).
   • Shipments are typically delivered multiple times a year based on your needs.
2. Spread Them Strategically:
   • Identify fly breeding areas: manure piles, wet soil, near shelters.
   • Sprinkle predators around the property:
     • Goat shelters.
     • Horse stables.
     • Chicken areas (in locations inaccessible to chickens).
3. Protect from Chickens:
   • Chickens will eat the predators if they access them.
   • Spread predators in areas where chickens cannot scratch, like:
     • Brush lines.
     • Covered or fenced sections.

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Key Advantages

1. Highly Effective:
   • Fly predators target flies at the source, drastically reducing the population over time.
   • Unlike fly strips or bait bags, they don’t attract additional flies to the property.
2. Natural Solution:
   • No chemicals or toxic substances involved.
   • Environmentally friendly and safe for all animals on the farm.
3. Cost-Effective for Small Herds:
   • Larger farms spend more (e.g., $200/year for 40 goats and 3 horses).
   • Smaller herds may only need $50/year to maintain control.

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Limitations

1. Initial Cost:
   • Fly predators are more expensive upfront than traps or sprays.
   • The cost is justified by their long-term effectiveness and convenience.
2. Not Instantaneous:
   • Fly predators work preventatively. Results improve over time as they disrupt the fly lifecycle.
3. Requires Proper Placement:
   • Predators must be placed correctly to avoid being eaten or wasted in non-breeding areas.

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Ineffective Alternatives

1. Fly Strips:
   • Catch some flies but look unsightly and do not address the source.
2. Fly Bait Bags:
   • Attract flies to the property with the smell of rot, often worsening the problem.

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Summary

Fly predators are the most effective and natural way to manage fly populations around livestock. They offer a long-term, sustainable solution that drastically reduces the nuisance of flies without harming the environment or animals. For those looking to avoid the annoyance of flies, investing in this method is highly recommended.