Order now! Your first order will normally arrive in March before any fly issues begin.
With summer 2025 recorded as the warmest on record, and continued hot summers likely, fly control is increasingly important.
Key to successful fly control is prevention. Stopping the build-up of fly infestations is more effective than attempting to ‘knock back’ increasing fly levels with a corrective treatment.
While most start using the wasps early in season, which is the ideal and helps to keep flies under control throughout the warmer months, we can also help later joiners get really good results.
Parasitic wasps provide an environmentally friendly, chemical-free solution for fly control in poultry houses, led by Paula Rogers, St David’s Poultry Team Field Technician. These insects use fly larva to hatch their own eggs in – and are harmless to poultry.
Occurring in the wild, they prey on fly pupae in and around livestock units with deep litter, such as layer houses, muck heaps, calf pens, etc.
As well as being safe to animals, humans and the environment, there’s no build-up of resistance with parasitic wasps, as can be possible with continued use of chemicals.
A fly infestation can have a serious impact in poultry sites. Flies cause stress to the birds that can lead to a decrease in the quality and quantity of eggs, as well as carrying disease.
One tube treats up to 3,000 birds. Wasps are applied to the pit once every four weeks.
What do the wasps do?
Larval development: When the parasitoid wasp eggs hatch, the newly emerged larvae begin to feed on the host pest. They consume the host from the inside, which ultimately leads to the death of the host.
Pupal stage: After the larvae have consumed the host, they pupate, forming a cocoon or pupal stage within, or on, the host’s body.
Emergence: Once the parasitoid wasp reaches maturity, it emerges from the host’s body or the cocoon. The host pest is typically killed in the process.
Benefit of ordering through St David’s:
Paula has been working with our parasitic wasp clients for years, and can come up with a solution that’s tailored to your site and situation.
Hassle-free – Paula works out how much you need and orders for you. Deliveries of wasps will arrive every four weeks during ‘fly season’.
Benefits of parasitic wasps over chemicals:
- Efficient: Easy/quick to use (open a packet and add through the slats to the pit of the shed)
- One tube will treat up to 3,000 birds. Wasps are applied to the pit once every four weeks (no need to preorder)
- Ideal if you are a small team – wasps are less time-consuming to apply than chemicals
- No threat to the environment, humans or birds
How to order
Get in touch with Field Services Technician, Paula Rogers, to discuss your specific requirements, calculate how many wasps you will need, and when the first delivery will be.
Typically supplied monthly from March-October, via post, directly to site. Application needs to be through the slats into the pit where the wasps will comfortably live above 15 degrees.
The next application will be sent automatically, so there is no need to re-order. Deliveries will stop according to your request at the time of your initial order. We usually stop orders in September/October.
Contact Paula Rogers on 01392 872932 or email info@stdavids-poultryteam.co.uk