FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What are Fly Parasites?
A: Fly Parasites are a small wasp that
is a naturally occurring parasite on flies. The word
“wasp” infers a stinging insect, which we all try to
avoid. However this negative interpretation should not
be the case with this organism. Fly parasites are very
small (less than 0.5cm), fly mainly at night, and do not
bother humans, pets, or livestock. They target only fly
pupae and do not harm any other insect, plant, or
animal. In fact you probably will never see them after
you release them. They are called parasites because they
lay their eggs in a fly pupae and the immature fly
parasite uses the fly pupae for food while developing
into an adult wasp.
Q: Do Fly Parasites control all flies?
 A: The Fly Parasites will effectively
control over 95% of flies found around barns, stables,
paddocks, and fields. This includes filth flies and
biting flies including house flies, stable flies, horn
flies, and blow flies. Fly parasites are not effective
in controlling any species of flies that breed in water
(such as black flies) or very small flies such as
no-see-ums as the pupae are too small to parasitize.
Q: What species of Fly Parasites do you
supply and why?
A: In order to attack the greatest
number of fly species with the greatest parasitization
rate, we supply five different species of fly parasites.
The fly parasite species include Muscidifurax zarapto,
Muscidifurax raptor, Muscidifurax raptorellus, Spalangia
cameroni and Spalangia endius. Some of the parasites are
more effective during the cooler periods while others
are more suited to the warmer seasons. We adjust the
mixture during each season, however we can custom mix
the parasites to individual needs.
Q. When should I start a Fly Parasite
program?
A. The best time to start a program is
when the first flies are observed. In open barns,
outdoor paddocks, and stables these are usually seen on
the south-facing wall of the barn. In confined areas
that are heated year around such as egg laying barns or
swine barns, the introduction of Fly Parasites is
appropriate at any time. The most cost effective
introduction period is immediately after the barn has
been cleaned out and the new birds or animals have been
introduced. Effective Fly Parasite programs can be
started at any time. However once the fly population
becomes well established it is more difficult to
implement and takes longer to attain control.
Q: How do I determine the quantity of Fly
Parasites needed?
A: Each facility is unique and many
factors influence the number of parasites needed. The
type and number of animals are the starting point used
to gauge the quantity required but good versus poor
manure management, climate, or other livestock in the
area all are important factors in deciding what is
appropriate for each individual situation. The release
quantity guidelines are available through links at the
left of the screen are based on the quantity of Fly
Parasites needed to maintain control under average
conditions. Warmer more humid conditions will likely
require a greater quantity, while cooler dryer
conditions possibly needing less. A larger area and/or
an area with more abundant fly habitat will require a
greater quantity.
Gaining control of an existing fly
infestation can require double or triple the guideline
quantity and possibly reducing the time between
distributions until control is established, depending on
the severity of the infestation. Once control is
established, normal guideline quantities and frequencies
should be sufficient.
Q: Will the Fly Parasites harm
the environment?
A: No. The Fly Parasites are naturally
occurring in Canada and by releasing the fly parasites
you are only increasing the population above normal
levels. All product shipped has been CFIA (Canadian Food
Inspection Agency) approved.
Please call us for a no obligation discussion on a
customized fly control program. We are not after a fast
sell, but rather we hope to have a long-term satisfied
customer. Our business has grown across Canada virtually by
word of mouth and we welcome all enquires. Our commitment to
you is to create the BEST, MOST ECONOMICAL AND LONG-TERM
BIOLOGICAL FLY CONTROL PROGRAM
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