8/9/2023 0 Comments Spalding fly predators![]() ![]() Both their milk replacer and calf grain have Clarifly R in them during the summer months. “The representatives really helped us determine a schedule and the number of Fly Predators R we needed for our operation.” The team put parasites around waterers, barns, calf hutches and any wet or manure areas and have found that it has really helped manage their fly populations in conjunction with the pour-on and feed-through measures they were already using. When the Lehrs began looking into fly parasites “we found good information on websites, but actually talking to the customer service reps by phone was most helpful for us,” they note. In the peak summer months, new fly parasites are dispersed more often, but the Lehrs find it averaging every 2-3 weeks. Their goal is always to be ahead of the fly development. They are on an automatic delivery system with Spalding Fly Predators™ that begins in late April and continues until October. They have been using fly parasites at their New York operation the past four years and have found that starting early is the real key to effectively managing flies. John & Lynda Lehr had seen testimonials of other farms using fly parasites successfully and began to look into it further. However, because the fly life cycle is much shorter than that of the parasite, it is important to start using the parasites early in the spring season. ![]() Because fly parasites reproduce in 2-3 weeks, they are constantly replenishing the beneficial insect population as the warmer, damp seasons progress. The wasps are naturally nocturnal, have no ability to sting, and disregard humans or animals in the area. These tiny wasps are specific to flies and stay close to manure and areas where flies like to reproduce. ![]() These parasites are gnat-sized, burrowing insects that are a naturally occurring enemy of all manure breeding pest flies. Fly parasites can be considered an effective natural biological control because they are a natural enemy that kills developing flies in the immature maggot and pupa stage. Keeping areas like this near hutch pads or the perimeter of calf barns trimmed throughout the season makes one less place for flies to live.īiological Control. Cleaning up and removing waste interrupts the fly life-cycle and helps reduce the population.Īnother area that can be a great hiding place for flies is tall grasses and weeds. Immature flies love to live in this type of moist waste and if the temperature is right, they will hatch in 10-21 days. Removing piled manure, waste feed, and even the wet waste that can accumulate around the base of waterers should be a regular part of the weekly farm chore routine. Preventing fly populations from becoming a problem should be the number one priority of any pest management program and the single most important step on a dairy or calf operation is waste management. I like to think of it like going to the doctor to identify if you have a viral or bacterial infection, in order to best treat the problem.Ĭultural Control. The Internet, gardening magazines, or local experts may be helpful in accurately identifying the pests. To identify the types of flies, consider hanging sticky tapes or ribbons to trap them. We have to know what we are dealing with to be able to treat the problem. Identifying the type of flies and pests on your farm is the first step in an effective control program. Chemical control – sprays, larvicides, and residual premise & whole animal sprays.Įxperience around dairy farms has shown that an effective IPM program for fly control often includes a combination of all three parts. Biological control – parasitoid releases that help reduce the number of hatching flies.ģ. ![]() Cultural control – practice good sanitation.Ģ. Integrated Pest Management is an effective, environmentally and cost sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices, along with complete information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment.ġ. Using an integrated pest management (IPM) system approach to fly control is often more effective than a single strategy. But this is exactly when we need to begin thinking about a fly control plan for calves, before the temperature gets much warmer.Ĭhoose Your Methods. Yes, I know it’s only April and, in many regions, there may still be some snow on the ground. ![]()
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