Page 79 - Microsoft Word -Cow Book 10-06-09 final update.doc

stables, free-stall housing, etc) must be properly bedded and managed to
prevent fly breeding.

3. Prime areas for fly breeding are also found associated and adjacent to feeding
and feed storage areas. Spilled or decaying feeds around silos provide the
necessary organic and moisture conditions to facilitate fly breeding. These
areas must be regularly cleaned, including feed bunks and other feed storage
areas where stable flies (Stomoxys calcitrans) tend to breed.

House flies (Musca domestica) will readily lay their eggs in manure, decaying
silage, or other highly organic matter. Since flies prefer moisture conditions in
excess of 30 percent moisture, fly populations will increase significantly fol-
lowing unusually wet seasons.

4. Good sanitation practices are the best fly control program. Although
research has demonstrated that some biological control has proven effective,
i.e., releasing a small wasp (Muscidifurax raptor) which stings only fly pupae,
this program has only limited temporary use.

Relying on continued application of pesticides has not been shown to be an
effective measure in the overall control of house and stable flies. Flies will
develop resistance to most all chemicals and can be harmful to natural
predators and parasites of flies.

5. Outside refuse containers are to be kept covered and relatively clean. Used
single service filters must be kept in a fly tight container and disposed of in a
timely manner.

The life cycle, of a fly, progresses from the egg - larva - pupa to adult stage
and this life cycle may be influenced greatly by the environmental conditions.

Remember that flies will complete their life cycle in 7 - 10 days when
o
o
temperatures are between 85 F - 95 F and in approximately 20 days when
o
o
temperatures are cooler at 50 F - 60 F.

6. Pesticides use on dairy farms must be approved for dairy farm usage by the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the label on the pesticide
container must contain the EPA Registration Number, name of the pesticide,
chemical composition, methods of use, including strengths, cautions against
use on certain food animals, and any other restriction for use on dairy farms.

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