Biological Fly Control

Target the Whole Fly Problem

Only 15% of your fly population is in the air. Since 85% of your fly population is unhatched, it makes sense to target unhatched flies and Kill Them Before They Fly.™ 

Kunafin recommends targeted use of chemicals for controlling the remaining adults as part of a Biological Integrated Insect Control Program (BIICM).

Fly Control Offers Bottom-Line Benefits to Animal Operations 

Fly Infestation Reduces Yield & Hurts Profits

 While flies are a nuisance to people and animals, their threat to health and production are more serious. Breeding in filth and refuse of animals and humans, flies transmits many dangerous viruses and disease-causing bacteria. In fact, world health officials have often called the common house fly the most dangerous insect on Earth! 

Many species are capable of inflicting painful bites on animals and humans. As most cattle feeders already know, this has a proven detrimental effect on weight gain and feed efficiency. In one controlled test, the level of stable flies per animal was regulated at approximately 50 per calf - about the normal level in most feedlots. These calves showed an average reduction of .2 pounds weight gain per day, and 13% decreased feed efficiency, as compared to the control group (fly free).

When the number of flies was doubled to 100, the gain was reduced by .48 pounds per calf per day and feed efficiency dropped another 11%. As you can see, controlling the number of flies in the feedlot has a direct pay-off. In addition, pinkeye, and other fly-transmitted ailments are reduced, which result in lower veterinary bills and mortality rates.

Please use the form at right or call us today at (800) 832-1113 to discuss the right program for your operation.

City Municipalities to Feed Lots to Poultry Operations & Stables

Integrated Biological Fly Control Makes Sense for Most Operations

Fly control is not just an agricultural problem. It is also a problem for city governments in land fill areas and sewage treatment plants. Our program of biological integrated fly control can be just as effective in these situations as it is for the farmer, breeder, or feedlot owner. In the following discussion you will see how the program works and how it will save you money over conventional methods.

Biological Control

Tipping the Balance to Preserve Fly Control

Nature has always maintained a balance among its species' populations by means of natural enemies, distribution of food supplies, natural disaster, etc. Imbalances are generally temporary unless natural mechanisms are interrupted by the activities of man. By artificially congregating large numbers of animals in one area, or by planting too many acres of a particular crop, we allow the build-up of inordinate numbers of pest insects that thrive in these conditions.

Further tampering by the indiscriminant use of pesticides only adds to the problem by eliminating, or reducing the build-up of natural enemy populations, while pest insects develop resistance to the chemicals. What we in the Integrated Pest Management field try to do is simply take advantage of nature's own predators and parasites, and combine their use with the SELECTIVE use of pesticides and other proven cultural practices. This is the ONLY way effective pest insect control can be maintained over the LONG-TERM!

The Biology of Fly Control

Flies & Fly Parasites

Fly parasites seek out fly pupae and lay their eggs as part of their own reproductive cycle. The fly parasite larvae consumes the pest fly's larvae.

The adult fly parasite emerges an will repeat the cycle, seeking out other fly pupae.

Fly parasites attack several species of filth-breeding flies commonly associated with animals.

They live on and near manure and garbage and waste disposal sites, going completely unnoticed by humans and animals. The parasites do not bother humans and animals in any way. To release the fly parasites, think like a MAMA FLY! The parasites should be distributed throughout the breeding areas when they begin emerging on a scheduled basis during "fly season." Distribution is so important!

As Dr. Fred Legner of the University of California, Riverside, pointed out in a 1964 article, 98% natural control of the housefly already exists. If it did not, and just one pair of flies were to start breeding in the Spring, by the end of five months the world would be 47 feet deep with flies! As you can see, flies are one of nature's most prolific breeders.

An adult fly can lay as many as 2,400 eggs during her lifetime and these eggs hatch within 7 to 10 days! This means that even if you are able to kill the adult with chemical sprays the eggs left behind will continue to develop and the vicious cycle repeats itself (thus, comes resistance). The only way to get effective control is to interrupt the breeding cycle and destroy the fly before it can emerge as an adult (see diagram). Predators and parasites which are specific to the fly species are able to do this to a large extent unless infestations get out of hand.

Flies & Fly Predators Out of Balance

When Infestations Get Out of Hand

It is then that the parasites, for example, cannot keep up with the number of flies due to their own limited reproductive capabilities. The average parasite lays from 6 to 350 eggs per day and these eggs can take as long as two to three weeks to mature, depending on the species and temperature. It is for this reason that we must supplement their numbers by adding insectary-reared parasites if we want to eliminate a significant number of pest flies from the environment. Keep in mind that since the parasites attack only the pupae, the adult flies already in the environment will not be affected.

As a result, you will not see an immediate elimination of flies from your environment after introducing the parasites. It can take anywhere from 30 days to a year or more to attain the desired control levels, depending on a number of factors. These factors include: the number of flies present to start with; untreated breeding areas within migrating distance d your location; weather conditions; past history; and supplemental efforts used in conjunction with parasite releasing (i.e. clean-up, insecticide use, etc.).

About the Fly Parasites

Choosing the Right Fly Parasites for the Job

There are several major species of fly parasites which are produced commercially by Kunafin. Each has its unique characteristics and special uses. Since breeding conditions will vary from one location to the next, you will be sent the species which best suit your unique situation. Kunafin is collecting native populations each year throughout the U.S. to upgrade insectary stock.

These species attack the most common species of flies which breed in animal and vegetable waste. The parasites do not bother humans or animals in any way. Due to their minute size and life cycle, fly parasites are more susceptible to insecticides than flies, so any supplemental spraying must be done carefully, and sparingly. Once a parasite egg is deposited in fly pupae, the parasite kills the fly, and consumes the body as it develops into adulthood. An adult parasite emerges from the pupae, and it immediately starts breeding.

Once the existing fly population is eliminated or severely reduced, the number of parasites will also decline since they no longer have hosts on which to live. This is why it is important to continue periodic releases of parasites even after the fly population is under control. Fly migration from other areas will rapidly cause another build-up if there are not enough parasites on hand to take care of the situation.

Questions? Please use the form at right or call (800) 832-1113 today to discuss your operation.

Your Custom Integrated Biological Fly Control Program

When and How to Get Started with Effective Fly Control

The time to start your Integrated Biological Fly Control Program will vary according to your location, but generally speaking, we recommend starting the parasite releases as soon as the first generation of over-wintered flies begin to appear (if there's one, you know there will soon be more!). This means early spring in most areas of the Continental United States. The earlier you start your program, the better! As mentioned earlier, actual numbers of parasites necessary for good control will vary according to many factors.

In practice, it is better to start off a File high, and then slowly reduce the numbers as control is attained. You can never have too many, but you can have too few!

The effectiveness and cost savings of your Biological integrated Insect Control Program vs. other programs is not just conjecture. This program is in widespread use throughout the country and in other parts of the world. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has done numerous studies, and considerable field testing of our fly control methods, and have shown dramatic, positive results. Their studies have been done in poultry, feedlot, dairy, horse and many other agricultural operations. They have reached the same conclusion: IT WORKS!! AND IT SAVES MONEY OVER CONVENTIONAL METHODS!!!

One Example:

Many programs have led to almost total elimination of fly populations in as rile as 30 days! In 1977 one large cattle feedlot operation discontinued spraying, fogging and fly baiting and began releasing fly parasites. During this time they have maintained excellent control at half the price of their former chemical program. In addition to the fly parasite releases, they also employ other cultural methods which we recommend. They regularly clean their pens, and keep their operation as dry as possible.

Also during extended periods of rain they sometimes use fly bait to help hold down fly outbreaks which could result from massive migration from other breeding areas. This experience has been repeated throughout the U.S. in feedlots, poultry, dairy, and horse operations. Since 1977 not only are these operators getting better control for their money, but they also avoid the potential adverse side effects associated with insecticide use. It's an investment for the future! The money they spend is growing there year after year! (Just like money in the bank!).

The Biology of Fly Control

Scientifically Sound & Cost-Effective Fly Control

Biological integrated insect control is scientifically proven and cost-effective. It eliminates the hazards associated with chemical insecticides and gives long-term, reliable control. We at Kunafin are experienced and committed to the concept of Integrated Pest Management, and can help you develop your own customized program. We remain your personal consultants throughout the season and are happy to answer any and all questions you might have. We will also be more than happy to provide you with references, price quotes and other material concerning this program at your request.

Please use the form at right or call us today at (800) 832-1113 for fast and friendly service!