Fly control in the stable: protection for livestock and increased performance
Stable flies are not only a nuisance, but also significantly impair the well-being of farm animals. They are carriers of germs, viruses and bacteria, which can jeopardise the health of the animals and reduce their performance.
The invisible danger: eggs, maggots and larvae
Like an iceberg, only around 15–20% of the fly population is visible. The larger, invisible part consists of eggs, maggots and larvae, which are often found in hidden corners and cracks. Controlling adult flies with adulticides alone is therefore only a short-term success, as it does not interrupt the life cycle of the flies.
Which pests are most commonly found on farms?
- Hygiene pests: flies, horseflies, mosquitoes, cockroaches, lice, mites and rodents
- Plant pests: corn borers, Colorado beetles, flea beetles, scale insects, aphids, etc.
- Store pests: grain weevils, flour beetles, rice weevils, mites, rodents and many more.
Pests in the barn
common housefly
(Musca domestica)
Gnat
(Tabanidae)
Vinegar flies, various species of midges
(Drysophilla)
Biting midge
(Stomoxys calcitrans)
Rat-tailed larva
(larva of the dung bee)
Preventive measures and root cause control
It is essential to get to the root of the problem and combat the fly larvae in a targeted manner. Preventative measures are the key to controlling the fly population before it even becomes airborne.
How is the fly population developing?
Understanding the life cycle is the first step towards effective control.
Stable flies can develop up to 15 generations in a single year. Each female fly can lay up to about 200 eggs. A single overwintering fly can therefore create up to 25 million offspring per year.
In around 3 months, under ideal conditions, 25 million flies can emerge.
Eggs
Females lay their eggs in the manure. This is where it all begins.
Larvae
Up to 85% of the problem lies in the manure!
Pupa
Transitional stage in the pupal case
Flies
Only 15–20% of the fly population are adults and therefore visible!
Tips for practice:
- Fly control should start early in spring to prevent mass reproduction.
- Every control measure should also target the fly larvae.
- Special breeding places for flies are calf pens, corners and cavities with manure and feed remains, deep litter and floating layers in slurry pits. By removing the breeding sites you destroy a large number of fly maggots.
- Optimise your stable climate. Well-ventilated stables are avoided by flies.
- Use alternative control methods such as sticky traps and electric fly catchers at an early stage.
- Pay attention to the change of active ingredients in sprays against adult flies.
Early start of fly control
Fly control should begin early in the spring to prevent mass reproduction. This is particularly important as flies can mature and multiply quickly in warmer temperatures.
Focus on fly larvae
Every control measure should target both the adult flies and the fly larvae intensively. Special breeding places such as calf pens, corners and cavities with manure and feed residues provide ideal conditions for the development of fly maggots.
Optimisation of the barn climate
Flies avoid a well-ventilated barn. Efficient ventilation helps to keep the climate in the barn dry and unattractive to flies.
Elimination of breeding grounds
Regular cleaning and removal of breeding places can destroy many fly maggots. This includes deep litter, floating layers in slurry pits and other areas that are attractive to flies.
Use of alternative control methods
In addition to chemical agents, alternative control methods such as sticky traps and electric flycatchers should also be used at an early stage. These methods are environmentally friendly and reduce the need to use insecticides.
Changing the chemical agent
To avoid the development of resistance, it is important to regularly change the active ingredient when using sprays against adult flies. This helps to ensure the long-term effectiveness of chemical control.
Summary and conclusion
A comprehensive strategy for fly control in stables is essential for the health and performance of livestock. The fly population can be effectively controlled and minimised through a combination of preventative measures, targeted larvae control and the use of environmentally friendly methods.
Planning and control of fly / larvae infestation
Successful fly control always consists of controlling the adult fly and the fly larvae. Only the regular and simultaneous control of all developmental stages of the fly brings the desired success.
Adult (adult fly)
Adulticides:
These agents act on the adult flies and kill them quickly. The active substances affect the central nervous system of the flies and prevent the transmission of vital information. The rapid generation change can lead to the development of resistance. This means that the flies are only killed by higher doses or are completely immune to an active ingredient. To prevent this, the active ingredient and active ingredient group should be changed regularly.
Eggs
Larva
(Larval stages 1, 2 and 3)
Pupa
Larvizides:
Larvicides act on the moulting of larvae during the transition from one larval stage to the next (so-called growth regulators). This process is very specific to insects. These products are therefore harmless to humans and warm-blooded animals. At present, no resistance problems have arisen in the control of stable flies. However, pay attention to the correct dosage here as well.
Stable hygiene and fly control: expert advice for farmers and cattle keepers
Flies are far more than just a nuisance in the barn. They transmit dangerous pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, parasites and protozoa, which can cause serious illnesses in your animals.
These include respiratory infections caused by Pasteurella, foot-and-mouth disease, swine fever, salmonellosis, E. coli infections, coccidiosis, roundworm infections, Aujeszky’s disease, brucellosis, dysentery and many more. The consequences range from diarrhoea, abortions and reduced performance to fatalities, particularly in piglets, calves and suckling piglets.
Annual calendar: Effective fly control all year round
Effective fly control in agriculture begins early in the year and must be carried out consistently. Our tried-and-tested schedule for cattle, pig and dairy farms shows you how to provide the best possible protection for your animals:
| Work schedule with key preventive measures | |
|---|---|
| February | Hygiene; if the winter is mild, maggot control; use sticky traps to check for the presence of flies |
| March | Sticky film; install electric fly traps; maggot control |
| April | Maggot control, bait |
| May | Maggot control, bait |
| June | Maggot control, insecticides |
| July | Maggot control, sprays |
| August | Sprays, maggot control in the event of heavy fly infestation |
| September | Sprays, hygiene |
| October | Sprays, hygiene |
Tips for successfully controlling flies in the barn
- Start early: Begin fly control as early as spring to prevent mass reproduction.
- Controlling fly larvae: Any control measures should also target the larval stages.
- Eliminate breeding sites: Remove manure and feed residues from calf pens, corners, cavities and floating layers in slurry pits.
- Optimal barn climate: Well-ventilated barns are avoided by flies.
- Use alternative methods: Set out sticky traps and electric fly catchers early on.
- Vary active ingredients: Regularly alternate the active ingredients in sprays used against adult flies (1-2-3 system).
Stable flies: a health risk and a drag on performance
Stable flies affect the welfare of your livestock, reduce their productivity and transmit germs, viruses and bacteria. By taking targeted and preventative measures – even at the larval stage – you can effectively reduce the fly population.
Diseases transmitted by flies
| Disease | Pathogen | Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Erysipelas | Bacteria | including becoming stunted |
| Pasteurellosis | Bacteria | Respiratory infections |
| Foot-and-mouth disease | Virus | potentially leading to death |
| Swine fever | Virus | Abortions / deaths |
| Salmonellosis | Bacteria | including diarrhoea |
| E. coli infections | Bacteria | including diarrhoea |
| Coccidiosis | Protozoa | diarrhoea |
| Roundworm infection | Parasites | Reduced performance |
| Aujeszky’s disease | Virus | among other things, suckling piglet mortality / respiratory infection |
| Brucellosis | Bacteria | Stillbirths / Abortions |
| Dysentery | bleeding diarrhoea |
The right timing matters when it comes to fly and larvae control!
When is the right time for treatment or how do you achieve the best success?
Fly control is most effective between 6.00 am and 9.00 am.
Fly larvae
Control the fly larvae and you control 80% of the problem
As soon as the temperatures rise in spring, fly development hardly begins to be noticed. Because the development from egg to adult fly takes place much earlier, control must be thought of before the warm season begins.
Successful fly control primarily involves brood control of eggs and larvae, because adult flies only make up about 20 percent of the total population.
Eggs and larvae thrive particularly well on manure, slurry and fodder residues in warm, humid climates. Often, if you look closely, you can see the larvae as small white "worms".
1 kg of manure or residual feed is enough for the development of up to 10,000 maggot
Typical breeding sites include under pen partitions, underneath feed troughs, on wet spots underneath the drinker, on feed residues, on floating layers in the slurry channel and on manure.
The basis for success is thorough distribution on the manure area using a watering can or backpack sprayer and regular application:
- First treatment approx. 3-5 days after stabling or manure removal.
- Second application after 2 weeks
- In routine approx. every 4-6 weeks
Special products to control fly maggots in manure, slurry or bedding inhibit the growth of fly larvae by influencing the moulting of the larvae. Pupation is prevented. The larvae die before the flies hatch. The development cycle of the fly is interrupted
The targeted use of insecticides when fly pressure is low to moderate
A bait competes directly with a wide range of natural food sources and attractants:
- Sweat
- Body odours
- Farm animal droppings
- Feed
- Milk
- Broken eggs
- Sources of moisture
- etc.
Similarly, the barn environment, housing systems, barn fittings and barn-specific characteristics play a significant role in the flies’ ability to locate and accept the bait.
It is therefore important to place as many bait stations as possible throughout the barn, particularly in areas where flies tend to congregate. The bait is applied either as a dry or wet powder, or mixed with water to form a liquid solution.
Use as a ground bait
- in barn aisles or on window sills
- in bowls containing bait granules (flower saucers, bucket lids, etc.). Here, the bait can also be moistened with water, which increases its attractiveness and makes it easier for pests to consume.
- Hanging bait stations. The combination station, into which granules mixed with water are poured as a solution, is very effective. When hung or placed in several locations (with or without a lid), the container quickly fills with flies.
- Sprinkling onto manure conveyor belts in laying hen housing
Application as a coating solution
- In this method, the fly bait is dissolved in water in accordance with the instructions for use and applied with a brush to the areas most frequented by flies
- It is also possible to hang up or place treated cardboard or wooden boards
- In general, care must be taken to ensure that livestock cannot access the bait
- Dusty surfaces must be cleaned beforehand
- Set up as many small bait stations as possible in the barn (size up to 10 x 20 cm)
- Clean the containers and brushes used with warm water
Discover Kerbl's innovative solutions for insect control in the barn and on the pasture
Stay one step ahead of pests with Kerbl's wide range of effective insect repellent products.
Our electronic insect killers utilise advanced technologies to eliminate insects quickly and safely, without harmful chemicals. Another option is our chemical insecticides - a powerful and reliable solution against a wide range of insect species. In addition, our specially developed fly and horsefly traps are ideal for use in large open areas as well as in stables and repair shops.
Trust Kerbl to keep your home or business insect-free.
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Chemical Insect Control
Our chemical insect control products offer solutions for all types of insect infestations, from flies and horseflies to mites and larvae. Choose from a wide range of sprays, powders and granules that have been specially developed to control insects quickly and effectively. Whether for large barn areas or targeted applications, you will find the right product for your specific needs.
Insect Traps
Our wide range of non-toxic fly, horsefly and wasp traps offers you effective solutions to protect you and your pets from annoying insects. From solar-powered insect traps to fan and sticky traps to natural attractants - you can effectively drive away flying pests. Our products are versatile and offer reliable protection in various environments.
Identify flies correctly: Identification and basic knowledge
The housefly as hygiene pest no. 1
To control insect pests effectively, you need to know which species are present in the barn. There are many species of flies in particular, which can be controlled in different ways!
The common housefly (musca domestica)
is the most common fly species.
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Dew fly or vinegar fly (Drosophila melanogaster)
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Seiner (Stomoxys calcitrans)
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