Manure, Fly Control, Odor Prevention

I know that fall is the wrong time to usually think about fly control, although we get a last wave of flies attempting to do their thing, bothering us, the poultry, our horses, and everything else they can. Besides praying for a cold winter to knock them down, here are a few more ideas to help:

MANURE COMPOST - We use compost bins that are 4' wide, 4' high and 12' long, made with treated lumber. One long end is left open while you are filling it, and the top (or level of the manure) can be covered with black visqueen plastic. This will help keep the droppings dry and cut down about 90% of the flies that you'd have if the compost was open. When you come near filling it completely, cap off the long end and keep covered, if you wish you can purchase an accelerating agent to turn it into compost quicker. Sounds funny, but friends/family who are gardeners would appreciate a gift of your bird dirt...preferably in a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid! (Don't put it under the Christmas tree, it can stay in the garage or shed!)

STANDING, STAGNANT WATER - Get rid of it! Turn empty buckets or other containers upside down. When using ever-waterers like the Little Giant 7-gallon plastic founts that I like, do not let it stand more than 3-4 days,. Even if the birds do not drink the water, empty it, rinse or scrub the waterer and refill.

FLY PREDATORS - This spring we purchased some fly predators through Valley Vet (they have a little of everything for pets and livestock, the best price on the disinfectant TekTrol, and great customer service!) We think that they helped tremendously to reduce the fly population and recommend ordering at least 2x what you think you might need. They will come with excellent prevention ideas and very easy to understand, thorough instructions.

FLY STRIPS - We buy them by the case. Use plenty of them, just in places where you won't step on, walk into them, or get them in your hair. Replace them as often as needed, even if it is every day! You and your birds will thank you. They are especially helpful inside.

FLY TRAPS - Commercially available fly traps do a good job at problem areas, near the compost/manure pile, shady areas near nest boxes or shelter where outside birds are fed and watered, near a barn door are great examples of places where these traps shine. They only last a month or two, then they must be replaced. They can be costly but may be worth it! Great for sudden onsets of flies in early spring.

FLY BAIT - We tried QuikBayt Fly Bait and found it to be most useful! We recycled used gallon water jugs and cut a square opening in one side, place about 1" of the bait in the bottom, and put it in areas where the flies congregate. It kills the flies, it is safe near your poultry, and it doesn't produce as much of an odor as the fly traps can. Overall, it is less expensive than fly traps but requires a little more work to use effectively.

AUTOMATIC SPRAY - Country Vet makes a good automatic spray unit that takes 2 D-cell batteries and sprays either Fly & Mosquito killer or an air freshener. We use both. Buy the heavy-duty fly & mosquito killer, not the kind that comes with the kit. The kit comes with a Mango scented air freshener, we like it the best. As long as dropping pans are relatively clean and no standing water is in the poultry house, the first thing you smell since we used the mister is a nice Mango scent (which blends well with the disinfectant we use, TekTrol). About 8' outside the door you can smell the air freshener! We keep 1 unit for the air freshener and 1 for fly/mosquito killer in the poultry house. The chemicals are approved for use almost anywhere - hospitals, near livestock, in food prep areas (you have to turn the unit off during food prep and keep areas clean where it may have settled), nursing homes....it's just good stuff! The kit is about $25 and the refills are about $10 and last a month....so it's relatively inexpensive. Some kits come with 2 spray cans of fly & mosquito killer, and I can't seem to find the Mango scent air freshener as easily, but I sure do love the way it smells!

Hope this gives you some good ideas. If you know of others, please let ME know!


          Back to Home                Email your fly control solutions!