Mastering Fly Control on Dairy Farms: Why Manure Management Is Key

Flies aren't just a nuisance on dairy farms. They're a major challenge that can impact animal health, comfort, and overall productivity. According to Kenley Zuga from Central Life Sciences, effective fly control starts with one of the most fundamental aspects of dairy management: manure.

"Manure management is a really crucial part of a dairy operation. These common flies — house flies, stable flies, face flies — breed in cattle manure. Proper storage and handling can dramatically reduce their populations."

— Kenley Zuga, Central Life Sciences

A Comprehensive IPM Approach

A comprehensive integrated pest management (IPM) program pairs proper sanitation with targeted products. Many dairy producers have seen success combining feed-through solutions like ClariFly^® Larvicide for all ages of cattle with Starbar^® products, including traps, baits, and sprays, to address adult flies in problem areas such as calf pens, milk parlors, and walkways.

"We've worked with farms across the Midwest, including Michigan and Ohio, where a combination of ClariFly in the feed and Starbar traps or sprays has led to a huge decline in fly populations. The best results come from covering all angles — from manure management to adult fly control."

— Kenley Zuga, Central Life Sciences

Beyond Fly Control: Maximizing Manure Value

Proper manure handling and storage doesn't just improve fly control — it also maximizes the value of manure as a nutrient-dense fertilizer for fields. By preventing manure from becoming a breeding ground, producers can reduce fly pressure, improve herd comfort, and see better performance from their cattle.

Sanitation and manure management is the foundation of a successful dairy IPM program. Pairing sanitation with the right combination of feed-through and adult fly control products ensures an intentional, comprehensive approach to managing flies on your farm. Learn more about manure management in the video below!