Introduction
The Source supplies a proprietary mix of several parasite species. Through over twenty
years of research and testing, we have determined this mix to be the most effective
in controlling fly populations around livestock. These species are able to
complete a generation every two to three weeks. For several reasons, however,
the parasite population needs continuous reinforcement to maintain a high level
of fly control. The main reason is that the flies have a distinct advantage in
actual numbers produced. A single fly will lay up to 800 eggs, but a single
parasite will attack only up to 50 fly pupae. Also, the life cycle of the
fly is much shorter than that of the parasite. The fly simply reproduces
more often, contributing to the pest's advantage in reproductive
capability. Does this mean Fly Parasites are not an efficient means of
fly control? It does not! When fly parasites are introduced early
and their population is maintained through the fly season, the flies are unable
to increase their numbers. To gain and maintain control of your fly problem is
easy and affordable.
Reasoning
Flies cause great discomfort to many animals. They torture the animals by
biting and can cause allergic skin conditions, especially in horses, where fly
bite allergy is the most common skin disease found. Flies irritate the
animals' eyes, which can cause serious infections. They are attracted to
wounds, complicating them with infection. Flies carry contagious diseases
from one animal to others. As an example, again using horses, they can easily
transmit a cold, flu or strangles. The use of pesticides over the past
decades has created insecticide resistant flies. In many cases, flies can
now resist a pesticide dose 10 times as concentrated as just a few years
ago. The answer to the pest problem is not larger quantities of
pesticides, it is preventing the flies reproduction. This can be
accomplished by Ecological Fly Control and manure management.
Fly Parasites are very easy to use. They are shipped in their pupal stage
packed in clean pine shavings to insulate and protect them during shipment.
FlyRaptors TM
Our Special Mix of Fly Parasites
Effective fly control has long been an elusive goal of man. Since World
War II chemical agents have been the primary weapons. Now, increased
resistance of fly populations to these chemicals, widespread ecological damage
and prohibitive costs necessitate other methods. It has long been known
that there are many insects that are beneficial to man. Some of these
insects can be used to control "pest" insects. For example, Lacewings and
Trichogramma help control agricultural pests. Similarly, a tiny insect
called the Fly Parasite can help control those flies which create such a
nuisance around livestock.
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As owners and breeders of Morgan horses, I wouldn't be without Source's services. This is
definitely an important part of our fly control system. We have few flies. Our
mare is allergic to flies and used to have to be given shots to prevent her
reaction to their bite. Now, we have been able to eliminate these.
Thanks Source for your wonderful product and service.
Dee Odell
Lone Pine, CA
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Fly Parasites are beneficial insects that lay
their eggs in the immature stage of the fly known as the pupa stage. The
developing Fly Parasite consumes the fly as food and serves as an important
preventative measure, since a female fly killed in this way is kept from laying
up to 800 eggs later on as an adult. Fly Parasites are natural enemies of
flies, and there are species present throughout the world, wherever flies
breed. In the United States, several different species have been found
and studied extensively to determine their effectiveness in fly control.
Those species have been identified in reports from the USDA and independent
researchers. Shipped to the customer in the form of parasitized fly
pupae, the insects are easily handled, as they are still developing within the
fly pupa they are consuming. Once their growth cycle has been completed,
they cut a hole in the pupal casing, and then leave as adults to search out
and parasitize more flies. Releases are usually done when the first of
these adults begin to emerge and involves nothing more than sprinkling the
pupal casings in and around the areas of fly breeding. Once released,
each insect will then kill 40-50 flies, and in a period of two to three weeks
another generation of beneficial insects is born. Fly Parasites are not
able to use anything but flies in order to have offspring. They
do not bite, sting, nest or swarm and will not become a nuisance to
livestock. And because they are nocturnal, these extremely small insects
are rarely seen during daylight hours unless one searches carefully in areas
where flies are breeding.
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Fly Parasites are USDA approved for mass release.
As Fly
Parasites are naturally occuring insects which do not interact with animals or
insects other than flies, they can be released without fear of negative
effects.
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To achieve the greatest reduction of flies, one should employ a
combination of measures that work hand-in-hand. Known as Integrated Fly Control, this includes:
Ecological Control:
The use of Fly Parasites on a regular basis along with traps and natural baits.
The need for chemical sprays can be greatly reduced by adopting a program of
Ecological Fly Control. Such a program includes regular releases of Fly
Parasites, aimed at destroying flies at their sources, or breeding sites. It
also includes the use of traps with attractant baits which will help eliminate
the adult fly population.
Cultural Control:
Using good sanitation practices.
No fly control program will be successful if manure is allowed to pile up
around the premesis. The most effective method of manure management is to
spread it thinly on fields where it will dry quickly as the pest larva are
highly susceptible to this drying process. If spreading isn't practical the
manure should be piled. This reduces the surface area and results in heat
generation within the pile, driving the pest larvae to the surface within reach
of the control method. Elimination of as many wet areas as possible and the use
of hydrated lime on the areas where your animals urinate frequently are also
helpful.
Chemical Control:
The use of pesticides should be aimed at adult fly populations.
Sprays may be safely used in non-manure areas where flies congregate, such as
rafters in the evenings, fence rails and barn sides in the morning sunshine and
shady places in the heat of the day. In addition, sprays and wipes may be used
on the animals themselves. Chemical baits can help eliminate the adult fly
population. Applying poisons to the breeding habitat does more harm than good,
as Fly Parasites and other beneficial organisms are thus destroyed.
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