Solving Fly Problems

Pheromone-based fly baiting is an ideal solution. Granular fly bait containing pheromones can be strategically placed in bait stations around the facility so that flies are attracted to the stations before they reach openings in your structure. These stations also dramatically reduce the possibility of product contamination with loose bait. These newer fly bait formulations are considered much more attractive than their older cousins and use different active ingredients to kill the flies.

Parasitic wasps. It may sound like something out of a futuristic horror movie, but parasitic wasps are actually a very effective and truly green form of pest management that can significantly crush fly populations. These tiny, sterile, non-stinging wasps have a short life cycle with a singular mission: to reproduce. Unfortunately for flies, parasitic wasps depend on fly pupae to do that.

The house fly.
Image Credit: THE STERITECH GROUP, INC./DAVID WILLIAMS

A pest management professional can install parasitic wasp release stations at strategic points on your property. Once they are released, these wasps begin to hunt out fly pupae in which to lay their own eggs. The wasp uses its non-functioning stinger to break into the fly pupae and lay its eggs. When the wasp egg hatches, it feeds on the immature fly. In doing this, the wasps prevent new flies from becoming adults.

You’ll need to work with a pest management professional to set up a parasitic wasp program as the wasp life cycle is short and populations will need to be refreshed periodically.

There’s no silver bullet to fly problems. Fly issues will be unique at every facility depending on the products being produced, processes being used, and environment surrounding the facility. To best protect your facility, work with an experienced pest management provider to address the specific risks present at your facility. This integrated, custom approach to fly problems will ensure that your facility is compliant with audit standards and, most importantly, the product you are producing remains safe from potential contamination.

Black is a board certified entomologist and vice president, technical services for The Steritech Group, Inc. She received her MS in Entomology and her BS in Agriculture from West Virginia University and has nearly 30 years of experience in the pest management industry. Reach her at [email protected].