Jeff May, a sales and technical services representative and poultry specialist with Dawe’s Laboratories who works from Lee’s Summit, Mo., said the key to management of pest control is management.
“If there is manure, there will be flies,” May said. “Manure and moisture equals more flies.” However, this can be controlled with proper management.
“During warmer times of the year, fly management becomes more of a challenge,” May said. “Especially during a warm wet spring, regardless of the operation size.”
According to May, bigger operations will have a greater chance of increased fly populations.
“There are several good products to use for fly control,” said Jerry Moyer with ClearView Enterprises in Arkansas. “Baits (QuickBayt by Bayer and Golden Marlin); and fogging with a Natural Pyrthrin will also help kill those flies that it comes in contact with. Riptide, BP100 and permethrin will all see an instant kill.
The most common management practice to control flies is to use bait that flies will eat and die away from the birds.
“This practice is best for large operations, not for free range operations where the flies can still die where the poultry are,” May said. “It will be worse for the chickens if they consume the dead, poisoned flies.”
Moyer encourages growers to utilize the generics that are on the market to save a few dollars. “If the pest problem is out of hand then do not cut corners on generics,” he said. “The best control will be found in the name brands. These are the companies that have spent the time and dollars with research on their products.”
Small-scale poultry farmers will need to worry about pests such as raccoons, skunks and opossums.
The best method of control for small poultry farms is a good barrier. “Chickens need to be locked up at night in a shed or barn so there is a barrier around them,” May said.
If the birds are left out at night with free range, or even with a good fence, predators will eventually get to them.
“If one wants to trap animals for control, they have to be very diligent,” May said. “This is will take a lot of effort.”
Other major pests that can cause substantial damage to poultry houses and cause losses in production are dartling beetles, mice and rats. “If these three pests are not keep in check the damage they can cause is remarkable,” Moyer said. “Motomco has a good website where producers can go and learn more about integrated pest management.”
According to Moyer, a successful integrated pest management program will include the use of the proper pesticides and rodenticides, in addition to some less costly items. “Like the management of liter in and out of the poultry house, grass around the poultry house and dead animal disposal,” he said. “These are the obvious ones that will make or break any pest management plan. Take your time take the pest management serious in the long run it will make you money.”
