General Information
Muscidifurax raptorellus, Muscidifurax zaraptor & Spalangia cameroni are all filth-breeding fly parasites used for the prevention, control, and management of filth-breeding flies. A serious drawback to raising livestock and other operations where animal waste and detritus is prevalent is the flies. All sorts of filth-breeding flies — like Musca domestica, also known as the common house fly — make their home in the manure present with such an activity. Well, one solution, in addition to regular manure management and trapping, is using a filth-breeding fly parasitoid mix.
These mini-wasps are shipped as pre-parasitized fly pupae mixed in a bag containing a small amount of pine shavings as a carrier. Upon receipt you can mix the bag’s contents with more shavings so that you may find it easier to treat a larger distribution area.
In normal stable conditions, with a preference to the dry side, and only if programmed releases are followed, many common species of flies can be adequately controlled with these nocturnal mini-wasps (assuming other tactics are practiced, as mentioned above).
The wasps work by laying up to 5 eggs in each fly pupa. The wasps’ eggs hatch and the larval offspring consume the host, the developing fly, the pupae, from within (endoparasitism). New parasites emerge from the host, instead of a new fly. Thus the cycle continues.
Sprinkle the bag’s contents in and around stalls, feeding areas, manure storage sites and, in other, non-livestock worlds, compost piles, refuse disposal sites or landfills, etc. Put them in protected locations (from hooves, rain, etc.). They can be also be deposited into hatching stations.
Start very early in the year (early- to mid-spring) with releases every 3-4 weeks, then close the interval between them as the fly season goes into full-swing. It usually peaks in July-August. If you don’t start early you’ll have a tough time trying to catch up — you’ll have to make a couple double-size applications, at least. The reason is the flies reproduce faster than the parasites.
Many have great success with these parasites — though some, of course, do not. Most are pleased. Again, the mini-wasps are just part of the program; trapping and sound manure management are essential. The successful ones are those who get them season-long on a regular shipment schedule. This works the best. There’s no forgetting, you make sure the timing is right.
Usages
Stables, farms, dairies, kennels, dumps, race tracks, composting areas, etc. Use these wasps anyplace flies are a problem. They are used in many situations and we’ve gotten all sorts of positive feedback regarding their efficacy.
Release Rates for Fly Parasites
| Animal Type | Quantity per Animal | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Horses | 7,500 per every 5 horses | Distributed every 2 to 4 weeks |
| Cattle, Buffalo | 7,500 per every 5 animals | Distributed every 1 to 3 weeks |
| Goats, Sheep, Dogs | 7,500 per every 15 animals | Distributed every 2 to 4 weeks |
| Miniatures, Burros | 7,500 per every 10 animals | Distributed every 2 to 4 weeks |
| Swine | 7,500 per every 10 animals | Distributed every 1 to 2 weeks |
| Chickens, Turkeys (on wire) | 7,500 per every 2,000 birds | Distributed every 1 to 2 weeks |
| Ostriches, Emus | 7,500 per every 15 birds | Distributed every 2 to 4 weeks |
| Llamas, Alpacas | 7,500 per every 10 animals | Distributed every 2 to 4 weeks |
| Feedlots, Dairies, Zoos and all other | Please call ! |
