Season-Long Fly Control Strategies for Swine Operations
Swine operations have to fight an abundance of insects, but perhaps none poses a bigger threat than the common house fly. Uncontrolled fly populations can have a negative effect on the profitability of an operation. House flies are known to carry and proven to transmit several diseases such as PEDv, Seneca Valley Virus, and PRRS. Grant Allison, DVM, and Iowa State University conducted a bioassay that proved flies can spread live PEDv to pigs. Since pigs are in close proximity, disease and illness can spread quickly in an operation.
In addition to disease, flies place physical and emotional stress on pigs that puts them off feed, thus reducing weight gain. Flies also pose a threat to neighboring communities. Flies can travel up to 4 miles, and if an infestation migrates, it can lead to neighbors filing nuisance complaints, possibly leading to fines and/or lawsuits.
Additionally, an uncontrolled fly population creates an unpleasant and unhealthy work environment for employees of your operation. Besides the common house fly, fruit flies can also be a problem on pig operations, creating annoyances and unnecessary stress for both your pigs and employees alike.
What is an IPM?
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a comprehensive program designed to help protect your pig operation from insects so that you can protect your profits. IPM is a pest control strategy that uses an array of complementary methods: natural predators and parasites, pest-resistant varieties, cultural practices, biological controls, various physical techniques, and quick-acting insecticides. It takes multiple practices and products all working together to provide the highest level of protection for your pig operation.
Make ClariFly® Larvicide Part of an IPM
Fly management programs for swine operations need to be proactive. ClariFly® Larvicide is most effective as part of an IPM program. Practicing good sanitation, maintaining building repairs and strategically utilizing baits, traps, sprays and foggers such as those in the Starbar® line of products, in conjunction with ClariFly® Larvicide, can significantly impact fly control.
Other Products to Include in Your Pig IPM Plan
Being proactive and establishing an IPM program using multiple products is the best way to ensure your pig operation maximizes its value and limits infestations of multiple insects. ClariFly® Larvicide by itself is not a “silver bullet” fly solution for pig operations, but it does allow you to catch up to the fly’s reproductive life cycle. For starters, you’ll need sticky traps and jug traps to monitor and identify where adult flies are emerging and congregating. Baits, such as Aviator® Fly Bait Aerosol, QuikStrike® Fly Bait family, Cyanarox® Insecticidal Bait, DuraStrike® Fly Scatter Bait, can be used in rotation to control fly populations with multiple application types to best fit your operational need. Insecticidal sprays such as Pyronyl™ Crop Spray, Starbar® E-Pro Adulticide Spray and Prolate-Lintox HD™ can provide rapid knockdown of adult pests. The Starbar® line of products has you covered for all these needs.
Get Season-long Fly Control
Start using ClariFly® Larvicide early in the spring before flies begin to appear. Continue feeding ClariFly® Larvicide through the summer and into the fall, until cold weather reduces or ends fly activity.
ClariFly® Larvicide gives pig operators an opportunity for continuous fly control. It’s one of the simplest and most cost-effective fly solutions. There is no harm to their animals, very little if any absorption, and no withdrawal time needed. ClariFly® Larvicide is a feed supplement specially formulated for use in pig feeds, and is approved for use in supplements, complete feeds, concentrates, and premixes.
