The best way to succeed with a perfectly green biological filth-fly control program is to devise a proper fly parasitoid release schedule and sticking with it for the duration. How do we know this? Years of experience and years of very satisfied fly control customers. Most of whom have been doing this with us since the early ’90s when we began. The expression, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, comes to mind. These customers are still doing it because it works, and if you value the benefits of having fewer flies around your livestock and farm (or your yard), it’s worth the money. Maybe you should do this, too.
We’ve established our 2009 fly parasitoid release schedule. The dates mark the week’s Wednesday — product shipping would occur those weeks, but not necessarily on those days. The 2009 release schedule is as follows:
- April 15th — First Shipment
- April 29th
- May 13th
- May 27th
- June 6th
- June 24th
- July 8th
- July 22nd
- August 5th
- August 19th
- September 2nd — Last Shipment
Eleven weeks in all, unless it’s super hot, then it may be wise to extend the schedule to September 16th (but we will talk first).
Whatever you decide, be sure to let us know as soon as you can, and before the ordering deadline on April 10th. You can jump into the program at any time, but we’ve found it is best not to wait. If you must, we advise doubling the size of your first release or two. If you need more information, contact us, or simply post your query below — at least while comments remain open.
How-To?
The process is simple. The following text is quoted from our fly parasitoid release instructions.
Sprinkle contents in problem fly areas or place in pre-placed, wide-mouthed receptacles. Apply to dry, un-trodden locations which will be not bothered for 3-5 days. For larger application areas, mixed the bag’s contents with additional pine shavings or bedding in order to make controlled, evenly spread releases more possible. Do not store the emerged adult wasps for more than 6 hours. Hold at a moderately humid 55-65°F. Do not attempt to cold-store the wasps’ pupae for more than 4 days. Hold at a slightly humid 45-50°F (fridge best). — Our Fly Parasite Release Instructions
It’s easy, but there is more to a successful program.
What Else?
There are two essentials.
- First you should practice sound manure management. Compost it, move it off site, spread it, keep it dry, or keep it clean. If you keep things tidy you will effectively reduce fly breeding areas and thus help your program.
- The other essential is trapping. Capturing adults that come into your location from abroad can be very beneficial. This reduces the number of mating adults present at your location and thus also helps your program.
But you’re not without even more options.
Options?
These things can be used with a biological fly control program without ill-effects.
- Pro-biotic products have been known to help by reducing enticing odors. Less stink means fewer flies.
- Nematodes, if conditions are right (wet enough), can parasitize fly larvae (eww, maggots).
- Garlic Barrier and similar products may reduce adult fly attraction. Experiment to determine how well this goes.
Not added to the list, your only other option, one that will cause problems, and one that may carry expenses and problems down the road, is to spray chemical and botanical products. We cannot endorse that method, though. Neither can our fly parasitoid users, all of whom used to spray before they kicked the habit. They couldn’t be happier so we won’t discuss the spray option any further. It’s not really an option.
Ordering
Since we’re talking a whole season’s schedule, ordering is a little different. You have two buying options at your disposal.
- Call us at 603.942.8925 and place your season’s order by phone. We can help you determine your rates with this method. You will not be charged until the week of your shipment and you will pay exact charges for freight.
- Order our parasitoids online. All you have to do is determine your rates then order what you need for your first shipment only and be sure to tell us you want to be scheduled for the season. You will only pay for the first order at that time. We will take it from there, sending you PayPal money requests one week before your scheduled shipments. Freight charged will be our online shipping rates.
If you are scheduling for the season, online or off, please be sure to be sure as we do have fees for scheduled orders that are canceled or for unanswered PayPal money requests. To avoid all possibility of fees and don’t want to commit, order a week before each date on the schedule above and place your orders individually.
