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Factors Affecting Fly Abundance
Manure Management
The system of manure management is a major factor in determining fly abundance. Two extremes exist: frequent manure removal and prolonged manure accumulation.
When manure is frequently and regularly removed completely, there is no medium for fly breeding in the animal facilities.
Alternatively, if manure is allowed to accumulate and is regularly trampled and compacted, it becomes an unsuitable medium for fly breeding.
Periodic Removal
Periodic Manure Removal
Between regular manure removal and manure accumulation are many intermediate procedures. These involve periodic, often erratic, manure removal. Housing and feedlot designs dictate how well manure removal can be accomplished and how often it is practical.
When automatic equipment is not involved, removal has to be with hand-tools and tractor-mounted loaders and scrapers. The frequency and completeness of manure removal using these methods is important to an integrated fly management program.
It is difficult, if not impossible, to execute a successful fly control program if the manure management program is erratic and unplanned.
If manure is allowed to accumulate for long periods or for periods of irregular length, populations of manure-inhabiting predators and parasites build up.
Total removal of all manure in one short period of time will also remove most of the beneficial insects and mites.
Therefore, staggered partial removal over a period of 2–4 weeks is preferable to total removal within a short period of time.
The Major Pest
The common house fly, Musca domestica, is the major pest species associated with confined livestock production.
Anti-Fly Products
Integrated fly control means using a two-pronged attack on flies: larvicides to prevent fly larvae developing into adults, and adulticides to kill adult flies.