Monday, May 2, 2011

Fly Eliminators - They REALLY Work!

Our family first became aware of Fly Eliminators from our friend who owns a cattle operation.  Our girls work for her.  I was skeptical at first about these tiny "bugs", however, I could see a HUGE difference in the amount of flies at her farm than at ours or other farms in our area.  She has very few flies and has over hundred head of cattle, in addition to horses.  We have a variety of animals and had alot of flies.  So, we decided to give it a try 2 years ago.  People would come over and say "where are your flies?"  When I told them about this program, they were excited to hear about an organic, natural way to eliminate flies.  I have attached a portion from the Arbico Organics web page explaining this product:

Fly Eliminators are gnat-sized parasitic wasps that feed upon and breed within developing (pupal) stages of manure breeding flies, eliminating the adult pest fly. The adult female fly lays her eggs wherever there is decomposing organic material. Within a short period of time, the microscopic larvae (maggot stage) burrow into the manure and eventually develop into pupae (cocoon stage).
Fly parasites horse biological fly controlThe female Fly Eliminator seeks out her host and deposits her eggs inside fly pupae. These eggs begin to grow and feed on the developing fly, thus stopping the adult pest fly from hatching. Fly Parasites reproduce in 2 to 3 weeks, constantly reinforcing the beneficial insect population.
Pest flies reproduce at a faster rate than Fly Parasites; therefore, Fly Eliminators must be replenished on a regular basis.
We recommend releasing a shipment of Fly Eliminators every 3 to 4 weeks under a fly control program that lasts throughout the duration of the fly season. Releases ranging from 1-6 weeks, however, are not uncommon. Quantity required and frequency of application can vary according to severity of fly problem, neighbors, manure management, number of animals and start date of program. Choose from one of our zone- specific programs below or ARBICO’s experienced staff can tailor a program to fit your particular needs.
How to apply: Fly Eliminators are shipped as parasitized fly pupae in wood shavings. When received, check for evidence of hatching. Once a few have hatched, simply disperse small handfuls or scoops around your property into “hot spot” breeding areas: Manure piles; under water troughs; below bedding; corners of pens and paddocks, and feeding sites. Cover with dirt or manure to protect pupae.
Click to WatchWatch Our Video – See how Fly Eliminators are used to control flies around your horse property. Fly Eliminator Release Video
Release Instructions and More Info About Using Fly Parasites - Click Here
HOW TO SELECT YOUR FLY CONTROL PROGRAM
Fly Control Zone MapZone C Fly Control ProgramsZone B Fly Control ProgramsZone A Fly Control ProgramsFind Your Fly ZoneYou may have to shift up or down a zone depending on your particular elevation and microclimate. Note: Dates shown on the map are our suggested start and end dates. Start anytime during the fly season.
Click on Your Zone link below or scroll to bottom of page.
ZONE A
Southern US Climates
ZONE B
Middle US Climates
ZONEC
Northern US Climates
Start: NOW
End:
Mid November
Start: NOW
End:
Mid October
Start: NOW
End:
Mid September
All Year Fly Control Programs
For climates that have flies all year.
Order your program now and your first shipment will be mailed the week of May 2nd.Your Shipment Schedule: You will receive a complete shipment schedule via email showing the dates of each of your shipments within a week of placing your order.

When we first started, we were later in the season, but it still worked.  The only problem I have is that because I have free range chickens, they sometimes scratch around in our manure pile and eat some of the "eliminators."  I like the bug control my chickens do too, so I guess it evens out.  Here are a few pictures of how they come in the mail.  We have been so COLD and WET here that these are more "hatched" than I usually put out.  They are going out today, no matter what.  Our forcast high today is like...40 or so.




You can use these eliminators even on a homestead with a small flock.
Blessings from Wisconsin!

7 comments:

  1. Very interesting. Last year we seemed to have few flies, this year more, so I've been contemplating what to do. I got a chuckle out of the chickens eating the good guys. Chickens are like that! I take it the little wasps simply stay put and keep on making more wasps? I'd be afraid they'd all migrate elsewhere.

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  2. Thanks for the comment. I'm new to blogging and it is exciting to get a comment. The fly eliminators are so tiny, you really can't see them. I think their life cycle is short. When you are outside, even after spreading, you don't see them. They aren't like a biting gnat that is flying around. Thanks.

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  3. The prices are on the website with all the ordering information. It depends on the amount of animals you have. Thanks.

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  4. My friend at work suggested these to me, but with a different company. She has great sucess using them in her horse paddocks.

    Depending on how many animals and what type depends on how many you need. I signed up for a 6 month "subscription" plus a thing that looks like a bait bucket for 125.00. I've found that it's working pretty well in my chicken/rabbit area.

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  5. Thanks for the comment. They do work! This Arbco Organics also has a good natural fly spray too.

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  6. This is very interesting. I am not a fan of the word "wasp," (immediately think stinger, I don't care how small) but actually wasps are less bothersome than flies. I wonder if they provide other benefits as well, besides being a treat for the chickens.
    If they would cut down on mosquitoes as well I'd be a fan for life!

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