FLY PARASITES
High density production of livestock and poultry creates a number of problems, including a number of fly species.
Unfortunately, total elimination of flies is impossible. It is simply
too easy for the flies to feed and reproduce. It is possible, though,
to develop programs to manage and control fly populations.
For years, livestock producers have looked at fly control as a "one tool" job. That tool was some form of insecticide.
Today, the choice of effective insecticides has been limited. Fly
populations are rapidly selected for resistance to most insecticides
and these populations are not effectively controlled by many
insecticides. New, effective insecticides are few and far between, and
usually expensive. There is also far greater regulatory concern about
insecticide residues in livestock products, worker health and safety,
and environmental impacts associated with the use of agricultural
chemicals.
THERE IS A BETTER WAY ....
The one-tool approach simply doesn't make sense anymore. You wouldn't
build a house or fix your car with just one tool. You would use a
combination of tools to get the job done.
The same is true for controlling or managing a fly population. You use
a combination of tools to keep flies at an economically tolerable
level. In other words, you control costs and flies by combining control
methods.
This is what we call BETTER PEST MANAGEMENT. BPM is sort of a toolbox of methods to help build a fly control program.
Natural Enemies of the Pest
Anywhere manure accumulates and stays reasonably dry there will be an
abundance of mites and beetles that prey on fly eggs, maggots, pupae
and even adult flies that use them for their own reproduction. Dry
manure means a more active and effective population of natural
predators and parasites. Cultural methods undertaken to manage manure
and biological methods implemented to kill flies are therefore
complimentary.
Letting nature take its course would be acceptable under most natural
conditions. However, high animal density in poultry, dairy, feedlot and
farming operations produce large amounts of animal waste in short
periods on relatively small areas. Fly populations can be
correspondingly great. Therefore, it is necessary to supplement natural
populations of predators and parasites with commercially produced fly
parasites to increase the number of flies that are killed.
Using Fly Parasites
The most important natural enemy of flies are small wasps called fly
parasites. These tiny insects are completely safe to humans and
animals. Frequent releases of fly parasites will reduce fly populations.
Fly parasite 1 The adult fly parasite searches fly breeding areas for fly pupae.
Fly parasite 2 Once found, the fly parasite drills a hole through
the armored puparia and lays an egg on the protected fly pupa. The
parasite egg hatches and the immature wasp eats and kills the
developing fly pupa.
Fly parasite 3 After feeding on the dead fly, a new adult fly
parasite emerges from the fly puparia in about 2-3 weeks. The new
parasites then search out and kill more fly pupae. Each female fly
parasite will kill about 100 fly pupae in it's lifetime.
Knowledge of Sanitation
The primary cultural means to control flies is to reduce their ability
to breed. Breeding sites should be identified by regular monitoring and
actions must be taken to eliminate or mitigate fly breeding sites. Here
are a few general suggestions:
Stop water leaks promptly. This seems like common sense, but it's a big
problem. Watering systems get nasty and clogged up, hoses crack, pipes
crack, joints leak, and if you don't catch them early, you have a fly
problem that won't quit. Check the water supply everyday.
Manage feed storage areas. Keep feed cleaned up around silos and feed
bins. This can be an ideal breeding site with enough moisture.
Maintain adequate ventilation. Air flow through areas where manure
collects is critical to maintaining dry manure. Dry manure means less
fly breeding.
Although chemicals are important, complete reliance is not effective.
The most effective use of chemicals is in conjunction with natural
enemies and proper sanitation. Overuse of chemical insecticides will
speed up the resistance problem and kill the beneficial predators and
parasites in the manure.
Baits can be used to control adult flies that are attracted to
livestock and poultry operations. Sprays can be used to treat areas
where adult flies congregate. Avoid spraying breeding sites; doing so
will damage the natural enemy population.
- Article courtesy of Beneficial Insectary
Pouch = Approximately 25,000 parasitized papae - average expected yield is approximately 75,000 parasites.
$42.00 per pouch, plus shipping and handling.
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Fly Parasite - pouch
