Flies

 

Identification of the problem insects:

The first step in an effective integrated pest management program is the identification insect.  For example if the pest fly you are dealing with is the stable fly then a toxic fly bait will be ineffective as the stable adults feed on blood exclusively.

 

Insect Identification Website

 

Sanitation:

Keeping your premises free of the types of organic matter that are attractive to flies is the very important second step in successfully managing filth flies.  If you don’t have the kind of habitat to produce flies you will also benefit from fewer flies migrating to your premises.

 

Backyard composting: Simple, small-scale methods

 

Bird Assistance:

Insectivorous birds such as the many species of swallows can help suppress fly populations.  By providing nesting structure for birds where you want them to be you can enjoy their help controlling flies all spring and summer.

 

Multiple nesting structure plans

Barn Swallow nesting structure plan

Tree Swallow nesting structure plan

Purple Martin nesting structure plan

 

Fly Traps:

Fly traps that are placed out early in the year will help suppress fly populations.  There are many different types ranging very simple sticky fly strips to more complex  cone traps with electrocuting grids.

 

Fly traps

Link to website with multiple control solutions

 

Insect Parasitoids of Fly Pupae:

These insect allies in the war on filth flies are tiny non-stinging wasps that seek out the pupal case of the developing fly into which they insert their eggs.  The wasp larvae then eat the fly.  They can be an effective part of an IPM fly control program but are not compatible with insecticide sprays and require continuous supplement to keep their population high enough to have an effect on the flies.  For Wyoming the most suitable species are?

 

 Google resources on fly predators

 

Chemical Insecticides:

The list of insecticides available to home owner is constantly changing.  Often brand names change but the active ingredients used don’t.  Premise sprays  can work  on populations that have gotten out of control to reduce the fly populations to a more manageable level where other tactic can work.  Many local populations of flies have developed resistance to the most common insecticides.  However the judicious use of poison fly baits, and pest strips can be an effective and compatible component of fly IPM.

 

 CSU's Home Pesticide Database Link

 

Repellents for Animals:

To prevent the flies that migrate to your premises from harassing your animal many product are available.  The principle active ingredients are?

 

High Plains IPM Site

 

 

Created 2007, Maintained by Jerod Smith, Alex Latchininsky, and Scott Schell.
Last updated: March 30, 2009