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CloversMum

3486 Posts
Posted - Apr 04 2014 :  8:40:08 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Just asking what do others do to control flies? I realize that keeping a clean barn/stall/shelter is important; but, I still manage to get flies every year. Maybe I am missing something? I have used sticky strips in the past, and they help but not enough. I have been reading about "Fly Predators." Has anyone used these and did they work? These are USDA-approved insects are a natural enemy of flies, but never bother people or animals. Fly Predators lay eggs inside pest fly pupa, and the developing Fly Predators consume pest fly larva. You have to add new fly predators each month. Thoughts or advice?
Loving life and family on our Idaho farm, Meadowlark Heritage Farm; A few Jersey cows; a few alpacas; a few more goats, and even more ducks and chickens

maryjane

7074 Posts
Posted - Apr 07 2014 :  08:13:13 AM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Every year we order routine shipments of fly predators. The first shipment arrives in April for our area. These REALLY work for annoying "house flies" but not for the type of biting flies that bother cattle. You can sign up for shipments at Spalding-Labs.com. Because we have an on-site food packaging facility, we love the way the fly predators make it so we have almost none of the annoying house flies we're all so familiar with.

For the great big biting flies, I make a non-toxic homemade fly spray that I dispense daily onto the backs and sides of my cows using a backpack sprayer. But they still get some of the tiny little biting flies on them during the peak of fly season (my homemade spray helps immensely but not entirely). I noticed that HambyDairySupply.com has PyGanic Organic Livestock & Poultry Insecticide Concentrate that is approved for Organic Agriculture and is OMRI certified. It contains pyrethrins from Chrysanthemums and is toxic to fish so it can't end up in our waterways. Check it out. I haven't tried it.
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CloversMum

3486 Posts
Posted - Apr 07 2014 :  1:16:56 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Great to know! I am ordering my fly predators this week... Hopefully, I'm not too late since it is already a week into April. Thank you!
Loving life and family on our Idaho farm, Meadowlark Heritage Farm; A few Jersey cows; a few alpacas; a few more goats, and even more ducks and chickens
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hudsonsinaf

56 Posts
Posted - Jun 03 2014 :  09:04:23 AM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
May I ask what is in your homemade fly spray? I have to believe there are some herbs and/or essential oils that help with the issue, but I'm not sure which ones are safe for cows or other farm critters. Is there a book out there on such topics?
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maryjane

7074 Posts
Posted - Jun 03 2014 :  09:20:56 AM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Yes, there is a book for all this ... mine:)! Milk Cow Kitchen.
MaryJane Butters, author of Milk Cow Kitchen ~ striving for the stoicism of a cow standing in the rain ~
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hudsonsinaf

56 Posts
Posted - Jun 03 2014 :  10:05:17 AM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Hahahahahaha! I e-mailed Brian, so I will hopefully hear back from him soon and then I'll order your book :)
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hudsonsinaf

56 Posts
Posted - Jun 04 2014 :  07:49:44 AM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I have ordered a copy of Milk Cow Kitchen - looking forward to receiving it!
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maryjane

7074 Posts
Posted - Jun 04 2014 :  09:02:13 AM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I was in our shipping facility this morning signing books (that my husband will ship out later today) when I saw your order come through so I tossed in some back issues of my magazine. Enjoy!!!!
MaryJane Butters, author of Milk Cow Kitchen ~ striving for the stoicism of a cow standing in the rain ~
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hudsonsinaf

56 Posts
Posted - Jun 04 2014 :  10:22:09 AM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Oh thank you so much!!!!!! How would I go about getting a subscription, or can I not do that? Do I need to just buy them every month? I haven't seen them carried around here, so I will have to find them!
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maryjane

7074 Posts
Posted - Jun 04 2014 :  10:46:24 AM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
The magazines I sent you will have sub cards in them, but first you'll get to see if it will be useful to you!
MaryJane Butters, author of Milk Cow Kitchen ~ striving for the stoicism of a cow standing in the rain ~
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hudsonsinaf

56 Posts
Posted - Jun 04 2014 :  10:48:53 AM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
sounds perfect! thank you :)
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CloversMum

3486 Posts
Posted - Jun 04 2014 :  10:36:25 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
The magazines are delightful! They are my treat I get at our local food co-op every other month. And, they are useful, inspiring, delight for the eyes, etc.
Loving life and family on our Idaho farm, Meadowlark Heritage Farm; A few Jersey cows; a few alpacas; a few more goats, and even more ducks and chickens
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hudsonsinaf

56 Posts
Posted - Jun 10 2014 :  10:04:29 AM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I have my order and am LOVING all of them!!!! What a blessing!
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CloversMum

3486 Posts
Posted - Jun 15 2014 :  9:55:34 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Any favorite parts yet?
Loving life and family on our Idaho farm, Meadowlark Heritage Farm; A few Jersey cows; a few alpacas; a few more goats, and even more ducks and chickens
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