Act early to control flies this summer
The winter is a perfect time to start thinking about fly control in the warmer months. Controlling fly populations within your shed is vital for the health and well-being of your flock. Parasitic wasps maybe the non-chemical solution you are looking for.
St David’s Poultry Team Field Services Technician Paula Rogers explains “Flies can pose a huge problem on poultry sites, particularly during the spring and summer. Last year farms were still reporting problems heading into the winter months, as we experienced milder temperatures, even in November. However, by getting a fly management programme in place in the early part of the year, producers have a better chance of getting the flies under control for as long as ‘fly season’ remains an issue”.
How does it work
The female parasitic wasp will lay her eggs in the fly pupae, preventing the flies from hatching, and a new wasp will emerge. The wasps will live at manure level are only suitable to flat deck houses.
How to apply to wasp treatment
Wasps are typically supplied monthly throughout the warmer months, March – October via the post directly to site. Application needs to be in the pit where the wasps will comfortably live above 15 degrees, they will distribute themselves. When the weather starts to get below these temperatures the wasps will start to die off.
Benefits of parasitic wasps over chemicals:
- Efficient
- Quick (open a packet and add to the pit of the shed)
- Ideal if you are a small team – wasps are less time-consuming to apply vs chemicals
- Predetermined amount delivered directly to site each month (no need to reorder)
- No threat to the environment, humans or birds
Producer experience
Free range producer Charles Ackerley has a 16,000-bird flock and used wasps last year after a particularly bad fly problem in 2023.
Charles said “After a water leak in the house, we unfortunately had a particularly bad year for flies, that proved impossible to manage with the chemicals we were using.
After that experience, early last year we decided to go down the parasitic wasp route as an alternative to the chemicals we had been using. We had a conversation with Paula who put together a programme that was tailored to the issues we’d had.
Our first delivery of wasps arrived in March, and they couldn’t be simpler to use with our orders arriving every three weeks – although it’s important to sprinkle them in the right location and away from the drinkers or the feed trough to make sure they hatch properly. We’re not a big team and using the chemicals was time consuming, and in our experience, could cause the birds to become stressed, whereas with the wasps there is minimum disruption, and we can introduce them at night.
We had no issues with flies last year in the house and will be using them again for 2025.”
Next steps
Get in touch with us to find out more. Our team will discuss your specific requirements and work our how many wasps you will need. We also do broader pest control programmes – get in touch for more information. Our number is 01392 872932 or email info@stdavids-poultryteam.co.uk.