Other Predators

I was outside last somer and noticed a hornet buzzing around my horse. I was concerned it was gong to sting him but I also didn't want it to sting me so I backed away and watched it. It was hoering back and forth and then dove down and grabbed a fly. It then flew off. I was surrprised by that and since then I'm going to leave hornets alone to kill the flies. Yellow Jackets are another wasp that will hunt flies like this.

Beneficial Nematodes

Another way to prevent maggots from developing into flies is to use nematodes. Nematodes are microscopic, non-segmented worms that naturally occur in soil. They hunt fly maggots and other subterranean pests. When they find them they enter through body openings and emit a toxin that kills pests within 48 hours. Beneficial nematodes are shipped in clay. When they arrive you mix the clay with water then disperse where needed with a watering can or sprayer.

Manure Management

Keeping the area where your animals hang out clean is the first step to fly control. Making a compost pile will help by causing the manure to break down and be unusable by the flies. The flies can only use the first six inches of the manure because the rest will be too hot. So the manure in the middle of you compost will not breed the flies. Gathering the manure into a pile will also localize where the flies are breeding and make a good spot to let the fly predators go.

Fly Predators

Fly predators are tiny wasps. They are smaller than a nat and are harmless to people. They search out and attack the maggots of flies. When they find them they lay their eggs in them. Then the wasp larva eats the fly larva and emerges from the fly's pupa instead of the fly. They are an easy and effective chemical free way to control fly populations. They occur naturaly but releasing them just boosts their population. If you have a fly problem these little guys can help in conjunction with proper manure management, magot control and adult fly control. For information on how to do all of this check out this website.