Insecticides for Fly Control in Poultry Housing

Chickens will help keep the fly population under control.

Chickens, ducks and guinea fowl can be pretty aggressive bug eaters, but your flock may not be able to provide enough fly control for your space, which may mean resorting to other insect control methods. Even using strict sanitation and manure management practices may not be enough and may need to be combined with chemical controls. Take extra care when choosing supplemental fly control methods in order to keep your poultry healthy and safe.

Flies

The most common species of flies found in and around poultry housing are the house fly and the little house fly. The little house fly likes shade and cooler temperatures and gathers in large numbers, which can be bothersome to people living nearby. The little house fly's preferred breeding medium is manure. The house fly prefers sunlight and likes to breed in organic materials such as decaying plant material and manure. Because of its habit of crawling over filth, the house fly easily spreads poultry and human diseases.

Larvicides

A larvicide is a chemical compound that is sprayed directly on the flies' favorite breeding ground, manure, to kill fly larva or maggots. Because the spray has to penetrate the manure in order to kill the larva and wet manure attracts more flies, larvicides should only be used as a spot treatment on areas with a heavy population of maggots. The constant addition of fresh manure also reduces the effectiveness of larvicides. Poultry should be removed from the treated area until larva population is under control.

Adulticidal Sprays

Residual adulticidal sprays are an effective and economical means of long-term fly control in poultry housing. These sprays are applied to areas that flies are most likely to rest on, such as the housing framework, trusses, the ceiling, walls, lights and cords. The outside of the housing, around doors and window openings and nearby shrubs are also smart places to treat with a residual prays. Not all adulticidal sprays are safe for poultry so owners need to read the labels and safety precautions listed on the sprays. Also, care must be taken to not contaminate food and water sources, and never spray adulticidal sprays directly on poultry.

Space Sprays and Mists

For exceptionally heavy fly populations that need immediate attention, owners can apply a space spray or mist. This fog or fine mist kills flies on direct contact with no residual effects. The mist can be applied over birds, being careful not to wet the bird. Also, direct contact with eggs, food and water must be avoided.

Bait Stations

Bait stations contain an insecticide and an attractant, such as sugar or pheromones, and help keep fly populations low. Bait stations must be placed in areas that the poultry can not reach and accidentally peck at the insecticide and where it won't accidentally be mixed into food or water.

References

• University of Arkansas: Biology and Control of Flies in Poultry Facilities; Kelly Loftin, John Hopkins, Dayton Steelman
• University of Nebraska: A Guide for Managing Poultry Pests; John B. Campbell
• Ohio State University: Poultry Pest Management
• Oklahoma State University: Fly Control in the Poultry House; Joe G Berry