There has been an uptick in fly calls this summer. Often these folks want to automatically blame the dairy farm that is down theroad. However,do not be too quick to place blame, there are many reasons for this year increased fly populations. First off, little has changed for the local dairy industry, most are currently staying the same size, and all have improved their facilities and waste management to lower fly numbers. While flies can fly several miles, they will stay close to their breeding site if resources can be found.
Yes, manure does serve as a source for house flies and blow fly production but not just cattle manure. Flies can be found on all manure types (dog, chicken, cattle, horse, and goat), in garbage and during hot and dry years like we are now, they will gather at any water source. Another factor could be backyard chickens or dog feces that are not cleaned up daily and any other animals in or around your yard.
Flies are decomposers and they are just doing a good job of cleaning up the manure but with these hot temperatures, they are growing at rapid rates. It only takes a house fly 7 days in 100 degrees plus weather to go from egg to adult. That is one week and those first females’ eggs are now laying their own eggs. Of course, they are not all in sync, so every day we have newly hatching house flies.
Here are a few steps you can take to help control flies. The use of cultural control methods changes the environment to prevent house flies from developing. The best cultural method is to dispose of any organic matter properly. This includes vegetable or other food byproducts where house flies might lay eggs. Place these materials in garbage bags and tie the bags securely. Remove all food residues and clean garbage cans weekly.
Placing sticky traps and ultraviolet light traps around a home or business can also reduce house fly populations. Hang resin strips (e.g., flypaper) in infested areas where there is little or no air movement. Place one 10-inch strip per 1,000 cubic feet of space. Install the fly strips within 6 feet of the floor—because most fly activity is near the ground. The strips are effective until completely covered with flies.
When using light traps or zappers, to make the traps more noticeable to the flies in a room, place them at least 15 feet away from doors and other entryways, and in darker areas away from bright lights and sunlight. Also, place the traps at least 5 feet away from food preparation areas to minimize the risk of food contamination. It is important to maintain the traps. Replace the bulbs each spring just before the peak season of fly activity because older bulbs lose their attractiveness to insects. Importantly, clean them out regularly because dead flies serve as food for other insects.
When necessary, insecticides can help suppress house fly populations. Pheromone traps can be used outdoors near fly breeding sites (e.g., garbage cans and barns) to attract and collect house fly adults. Fly baits, such as Cyanarox™, Golden Malrin, Maxforce, QuickBayt, and QuikStrike, are usually sugar-based and contain a compound that attracts the adult flies. Flies that feed on these baits are killed by the insecticide they digest. Many spray pyrethroidbased insecticides can suppress house flies in and around homes. These products can be purchased at grocery and hardware stores. Follow the instructions on all insecticide labels. Biological control is another option you may want to consider. I want to thank Dr. Sonja Swiger for the information in this article.