Springtime plus livestock equals flies. This is our first spring with alpacas here on the farm. We already know what's coming—we've seen it at friends' farms. A few early flies have appeared, but we know the big invasion is just around the corner. So, what's our plan? We started with sticky traps in the barn, but research is definitely in order.
There are nearly 120,000 known fly species, but our concern at Two Crows Farm is focused on the 10 to 15 types most likely found around homes, farms, and our community.
Know Your Enemy
Let's break flies into two groups: biting and non-biting. Each group requires a specific approach based on its unique characteristics.
Non-biting flies (house flies, blow flies, face flies, fruit flies, and more) breed in filth and are attracted by scents we find unpleasant. They spread bacteria and diseases by laying eggs in garbage, rotting organic matter, and manure. Worse yet, when they feed, they regurgitate their stomach contents onto food to liquefy it before eating—gross! Their dirty habits don't end there; they also leave droppings everywhere they land.
Biting flies (horse flies, deer flies, stable flies, black flies, biting midges) are the aggressive ones. Their bites hurt, and they carry diseases. They hunt visually, looking for blood. Unlike non-biting flies, biting flies lay eggs in moist vegetation or soil, where larvae feed on organic matter.
Non-biting flies are relatively easy to trap using sticky or baited screen traps—simple and affordable solutions we'll test and report on.
Biting flies require a bit more strategy, but they aren't particularly clever. The key is to present a moving target they mistake for a blood source, then trap them. Devices like the HORSE PAL utilize motion to lure biting flies. Color and light traps (especially dark blue and white) can also be effective. We'll research these and share our findings.
The key to effective fly management is proactive action rather than reactive response.
Victorious warriors win first, then go to war; defeated warriors go to war first, then seek to win.
Early intervention prevents exponential fly populations. Flies live about 30 days, and a female can lay over 500 eggs. In optimal conditions, flies reproduce rapidly, potentially creating massive infestations quickly. Scientists estimate a single pair of flies could theoretically lead to trillions of offspring within months!
Multiple fly-control methods can and should be employed simultaneously. However, we avoid chemical poisons—they're ineffective and environmentally harmful.
All warfare is based on deception.
Fly traps and fly parasites rely on deceiving the flies. Fly parasites, tiny nocturnal wasps harmless to humans and animals, effectively control fly populations by targeting fly pupae. These parasites can be ordered through providers like Aarbico Organics.
Speed is the essence of war.
Be swift, relentless, and proactive. Stay ahead of the flies, and never assume victory is guaranteed.
We'll continue to share information and fly-control product evaluations. We're off to war—and we intend to win!