Fly Predators

[ffamom]

Has anyone tried this? The fly population at out ag barn is growing on a daily basis. I order some of the predators to see if it works. The school has so many rules and regulations on the use of chemicals that this seem like the perfect solution.

 

[Bez>]

Has anyone tried this? The fly population at out ag barn is growing on a daily basis. I order some of the predators to see if it works. The school has so many rules and regulations on the use of chemicals that this seem like the perfect solution.

Nope - but I am interested in you keeping us posted on the results vs the cost.

Bez>

 

[msscamp]

Felt as though they were a gimmick.

Well, you're wrong. We've been using them for several years, now. Primarily around the horse barn, but also at the feedlot. They cut our fly population by at least 1/2 the first year, and now we don't hardly have any flies at all around the barn. They have also cut the fly population at the feedlot - although not as dramatically, but we are not using them in the numbers we should be either.

 

[Proverbs 12:10]

I've used them the last 2 years with mixed results. I believe that if I didn't have neighbors with fly problems they would work much better. The predators don't travel as far as flys so I get a lot of flys from pastures I can't control. This year I am going to drop the predators and try an oil based natural fly repellent as a test. More labor but less material cost than the predators...we'll see.

 

[msscamp]

I've used them the last 2 years with mixed results. I believe that if I didn't have neighbors with fly problems they would work much better. The predators don't travel as far as flys so I get a lot of flys from pastures I can't control. This year I am going to drop the predators and try an oil based natural fly repellent as a test. More labor but less material cost than the predators...we'll see.

Are you using them according to the recommended numbers? I ask this question because we have a feedlot approximately 1/2 - 3/4's of a mile south of us, and another feedlot about 3/4's -1 mile north of us, plus the usual neighbors, only one of which uses fly control.

 

[Proverbs 12:10]

I've used them the last 2 years with mixed results. I believe that if I didn't have neighbors with fly problems they would work much better. The predators don't travel as far as flys so I get a lot of flys from pastures I can't control. This year I am going to drop the predators and try an oil based natural fly repellent as a test. More labor but less material cost than the predators...we'll see.

Are you using them according to the recommended numbers? I ask this question because we have a feedlot approximately 1/2 - 3/4's of a mile south of us, and another feedlot about 3/4's -1 mile north of us, plus the usual neighbors, only one of which uses fly control.

We use nearly double the reccommended numbers for our 50 head. On both sides I have 300-500 acre operations that run 100-250 head with no know fly control. I discussed with predator distributors and they agree that it was not anywhere near an optimum situation. Suggested I have my neighbors order some predators as well...fat chance! I believe they work...I haved witnessed them working on manure pats...just not too well in our situation.

 

[3MR]

Can someone post a link for these

 

[ffamom]

http://spalding-labs.com/home.php

I think this is it.

 

[3MR]

Man, those things are expensive. I would be looking at $170+ a month, every month. The fly blocks would do the same thing only cheaper.

PS: Thanks for posting the link.

 

[Bluestem]

Here is a source I have used. http://www.kunafin.com

 

[3MR]

Thanks, I sent them an e-mail. How are they price wise?

 

[Tod Dague]

Man, those things are expensive. I would be looking at $170+ a month, every month. The fly blocks would do the same thing only cheaper.

PS: Thanks for posting the link.

The gimmick is the every month part. We've put them out once a year for three years in a row but I haven't this year. I have plenty of them. With each 21 day cycle they will cover a larger and larger area. I typically put some around the perimeter of the fields.

My in-laws had a huge fly problem. You could hardly stay on the front porch because of all the flies. They used several of the gallon traps that they emptied quit regularly. After I put out the predators they were able to get rid of the traps. It has been a couple of years since I put out the predators and they are getting more flies but it still isn't as bad as it used to be.

Keep in mind that I'm a small time operator and am able to run 1 cow / 5 acres. The bigger the place the harder it is to get good control with paracites. I will be ordering some for the new lease.

Edited to add once a year.

 

[VtMapleGal]

just a note, they do not work for nats and deer flies i have been told.