Effective fly control on dairies: The role of manure management
Flies are a common challenge on dairy operations, but managing manure properly can play a crucial role in keeping flies under control and minimizing their effect on cattle. Manure serves as a prime breeding ground and food source for flies, and if not handled correctly, it can create optimal conditions for rapid fly reproduction. Flies originate and thrive in livestock manure, making waste management a key factor in controlling infestations.
To achieve optimal fly control, manure management must be a consistent and timely component of an integrated pest management (IPM) program.
Consistency is Key
A thorough and consistent sanitation routine is essential to minimizing fly populations. Dairy operators should implement these best practices to maintain cleanliness and eliminate fly breeding sites:
- Remove Manure Regularly: Preventing manure accumulation in and around barns, milking parlors, and feeding areas reduces fly reproduction.
- Clean Up Spilled Feed: Decaying feed attracts flies and provides an additional food source that encourages infestations.
- Maintain Vegetation: Keep grasses and weeds trimmed around barns, feed bunks, hutches, and manure storage areas to remove fly resting sites.
- Eliminate Organic Debris: Disposing of decaying organic matter and preventing excessive moisture buildup helps eliminate fly breeding grounds.
Integrating these sanitation measures into daily operations can prevent fly populations from escalating.
Timeliness Matters
Timely manure removal is crucial to preventing fly larvae from developing into adults. Since fly eggs hatch within 24 hours and larvae mature quickly, removing manure at least twice a week can significantly disrupt the fly life cycle.
Best practices for manure management include:
- Frequent Waste Removal: Transport manure away from livestock areas before fly larvae have time to mature.
- Proper Storage and Disposal: Composting manure in a controlled manner can help minimize fly breeding while repurposing waste for beneficial use.
- Strategic Spreading: When applying manure as fertilizer, ensure it’s promptly incorporated into the soil to prevent flies from using it as a breeding ground.
By staying ahead of the fly life cycle, dairies can minimize fly populations before they become a significant issue.
IPM for Comprehensive Fly Control
Manure management is just one component of an effective IPM program. A well-rounded approach combines cultural practices, biological control, and the strategic use of fly control products to achieve the best results.
One of the most effective tools in an IPM program is ClariFly® Larvicide. This feed supplement works within the digestive system of dairy cows, passing through into their manure to prevent fly larvae from developing into adults. By breaking the fly life cycle, ClariFly® provides an additional layer of protection against flies, complementing proper manure management practices.
Maximizing Fly Control on Your Dairy
For a fly control strategy to be truly effective, it must be proactive, combining consistent manure management with additional IPM tactics. Implementing ClariFly® Larvicide as part of an overall fly control program can help dairies maintain a healthier, more comfortable environment for their livestock.
