How to Keep Flies Away from Your Chicken Coop

Dealing with flies in the chicken coop during the warm summer months can be extremely frustrating A swarm of flies buzzing around your chickens and their living space is not only annoying for you, but can also cause health issues for your flock The good news is that there are many effective strategies for fly control that you can implement to keep your coop fly-free. With a multi-pronged approach, you can break the fly life cycle and prevent these pests from taking over your coop.

Why Fly Control is Important

Flies reproduce rapidly in the ideal conditions offered by a chicken coop Chicken manure provides an optimal breeding ground for flies to lay eggs that hatch into larvae and eventually adult flies, An infestation can happen seemingly overnight, These prolific pests can cause a number of problems

• Flies spread diseases and parasites to your flock. They can transmit harmful pathogens like salmonella from one chicken to another through contact with manure and food sources.

• Flies bite and pester chickens, causing stress and potential injury. Their bites can lead to sores and skin irritation.

• Too many flies signal unclean coop conditions. A coop overrun with flies means there is excess manure present that needs to be cleaned up.

• Flies become a nuisance for chicken owners. You certainly don’t want to be swarmed by flies every time you enter the coop.

By implementing measures to control flies, you can promote better health and cleanliness in your coop while avoiding the headaches that come with these pests.

Tips for Fly Control in the Chicken Coop

Here are some of the top strategies and products for preventing and eliminating fly infestations in your chicken coop:

1. Remove Excess Manure

Flies need moist manure to breed, so regular coop cleaning is critical. Remove droppings, especially from roosting areas, and dispose of them away from the coop. Keep the coop floors and bedding dry to deter flies from laying eggs. Frequent replacement of soiled litter is key.

2. Use Fly Predators

Fly predators are tiny wasps that naturally parasitize fly pupae. The adult wasps lay eggs inside fly larvae, breaking the fly life cycle. You can purchase fly predator pupae (such as this product) and release them around your coop in areas where flies breed. Over time, the fly predator population will establish itself and keep flies under control.

3. Apply Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is an abrasive dust made from fossilized algae. Sprinkling food-grade DE in the coop and nesting boxes cuts down on flies. The sharp DE particles damage the waxy coatings on insects, causing dehydration. Wear a mask when applying to avoid breathing in the dust.

4. Use Fly Traps

There are many types of fly traps that lure flies in with bait and contain them so they cannot escape. Position traps around the outside of the coop to catch flies. You can also make homemade traps from plastic bottles.

5. Install Fly Strips

Sticky fly strips capture flies that land on the strip’s adhesive surface. Hang strips out of reach of chickens inside the coop or around doorways and vents where flies tend to enter. Be aware that chickens may try to peck at the strips.

6. Spray Essential Oils

Flies dislike the strong scent of certain essential oils like lavender, peppermint, citronella, and lemongrass. Mix oils with water and vinegar in a spray bottle and frequently spray down coop surfaces. You can also hang bunches of fresh herbs inside the coop.

7. Use Fly-Repelling Plants

Grow plants like basil, mint, tansy, and lemongrass around the exterior of your coop to repel flies with their pungent scent. This can create a perimeter of protection against flies entering the coop.

8. Block Entry Points

Seal up any gaps, holes, or crevices where flies can enter the coop. Use wire mesh to cover up vents. Install door sweeps or screens on entranceways. This forces flies to go through traps rather than sneak into cracks.

9. Release Poultry

Letting your birds range freely outside provides natural fly control. Chickens, guinea fowl, and muscovy ducks will catch and eat flies as they forage through the yard. Just beware they don’t destroy your plants!

10. Clean Feeders

Prevent flies from being attracted to your flock’s feed. Remove and dispose of wet, soiled feed immediately. Clean feeders and waterers regularly to eliminate traces of feed that flies could lay eggs in.

When to Start Fly Control Measures

Be proactive about fly prevention. Start implementing coop cleaning, traps, and other measures in early spring before flies become active. Stopping flies from gaining a foothold early on is much easier than trying to eliminate them once they’ve already established themselves in your coop.

Consistently follow fly control practices throughout spring and summer. You may need to tweak your approach over time based on how well certain methods are working. Pay close attention to fly populations and be prepared to step up control efforts during periods of intense heat when flies multiply rapidly.