Fly Predators®

Explore what makes Fly Predators the gold standard in fly control and why they’re critical to your Integrated Pest Management (IPM) success.
Spalding Labs Fly Predator on fly pupae. Copyright Spalding Labs 2024.

Order Fly Predators

Take control of your fly problem.

At Spalding Labs, we understand how critical effective fly control is for keeping you, your animals, and your property comfortable and healthy. That’s why we’ve developed Fly Predators, a specially formulated blend of the most effective species of insects for biological fly control. Backed by decades of scientific research, our Fly Predators are proven to reduce fly populations significantly, giving you the confidence of a pest-free operation.

Let’s explore what makes Fly Predators the gold standard in fly control and why they’re the key to your Integrated Pest Management (IPM) success.

What Are Fly Predators and Why Are They So Effective?

Fly Predators are a carefully selected mix of parasitoid insects that naturally target and eliminate pest flies, such as house flies and stable flies. These tiny but powerful insects work to control flies by parasitizing fly pupae. Female Fly Predators lay their eggs inside the pupae of filth flies, and their larvae feed on the developing flies, stopping the next generation before it hatches.

The effectiveness of Fly Predators lies in the specific species included in Spalding Labs’ blend. Unlike other products that rely on less effective species, Fly Predators consist of Spalangia and Muscidifurax species — the most scientifically proven parasitoid insects for fly control.

Scientific Research Backs Fly Predators’ Efficacy

Spalding Labs’ Fly Predators are not just effective; they’re backed by extensive scientific research. Our team reviewed 40 peer-reviewed journal articles on the efficacy of parasitoid insects for biological fly control. Here’s what the research shows:

    1. Spalangia Species: Consistently rated as highly effective, Spalangia species are a cornerstone of successful fly control programs in various environments, including horse stables, cattle operations, and more.
    2. Muscidifurax Species: Another critical component of Fly Predators, Muscidifurax species work alongside Spalangia to target fly pupae in diverse conditions.
    3. Nasonia vitripennis: Often used by competitors, Nasonia is far less effective and adaptable, making it an inferior choice for fly control, especially in outdoor and larger-scale environments.

Breaking Down the Data: Why Fly Predators Are Superior

Multiple scientific studies revealed a clear advantage to using Spalangia and Muscidifurax species for fly control:

  • Spalangia and Muscidifurax Are Proven Top Performers: These genera consistently deliver high efficacy in reducing fly populations across all types of operations.
  • Nasonia Falls Short: Research shows that Nasonia vitripennis, which makes up 90% of some competitors’ mixes, is far less reliable for reducing fly populations.
  • Consistency Across Species: Multiple species within the Spalangia and Muscidifurax genera showed excellent results, making Fly Predators adaptable to a wide range of environments.

By using only Spalangia and Muscidifurax species, Spalding Labs ensures that every bag of Fly Predators provides optimal fly control for your property.

How Fly Predators Fit Into Your IPM Program

Fly Predators are an essential component of a comprehensive Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan. Here’s how they can work for you:

Spalding Labs Life Cycle of a Fly for natural fly control

The Spalding Labs Difference

What sets Spalding Labs apart is our commitment to science and our customers’ success. We use decades of research to ensure that Fly Predators deliver consistent, reliable fly control results. Our Fly Predators are:

4 Steps to Get Started with Fly Predators

Identify Your Needs

Use our custom order generator or contact our team for help determining your unique Fly Predators® needs. Our algorithm considers your location and climate, as well as the number of animals on your property. For every large animal, you will need approximately 1,000 Fly Predators.

Create a Schedule

The custom order generator will recommend an optimized quantity and frequency of Fly Predator releases for your unique situation. Because pest flies reproduce nine times faster than Fly Predators, adding supplemental Fly Predators® every 3-4 weeks during warm months keeps the population balance necessary for effective fly control.

Get Your Shipment

Your Fly Predators® will arrived safely packaged in their cocoon stage. Wait to open the bag until you see a dozen or more Fly Predators crawling around. This can take up to 2-7 days after their arrival.

Spread Fly Predators

When you see a dozen or more Fly Predators® are active, it’s time to deploy them near fly reproductive areas. These are typically moist areas with decomposing organic matter like manure and wet hay. Once the Fly Predators are released, you’re done! Repeat as necessary with your determined schedule.

Ready to Take Control of Your Fly Problem?

When it comes to protecting your animals and property from flies, Fly Predators are the ultimate solution. By choosing Spalding Labs, you’re not just getting a product—you’re gaining a partner dedicated to your success.

Get started today by ordering Fly Predators or contacting our team to develop a custom Integrated Pest Management plan tailored to your property.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The number of Fly Predators® depends on your animal needs. Each large animal needs about 1,000 Fly Predators®. Our custom order generator will help you determine your numbers when you order, and our support team is standing by to answer any questions at 1-888-880-1579.

Fly Predators® will travel approximately 150 feet in all directions from where they are sprinkled, so don’t worry about covering every manure pile on your property. If you have moist fields, sprinkle some every 75 feet in a grid pattern.

Fly Predators® want to be where the pest flies reproduce, so sprinkle them out in moist areas such as manure, or any other rotting organic matter on your property (lagoons, irrigation, feed troughs, old hay, etc.).

When you receive your first shipment of Fly Predators, there may be a few out of their cocoon. You will want to wait to open the package until 2-7 days after arrival when at least a dozen or more Fly Predators have hatched.

Pest flies reproduce nine times faster than Fly Predators, with a single female fly laying up to 900 eggs. We recommend adding supplemental Fly Predators® every three to four weeks during warm months to keep fly populations under control.

Flies don’t typically reproduce in barns where manure is frequently removed. However, you can leave 5-10% of your Fly Predators® in the package and hang it up in a breezeway inside your barn if you suspect flies may be breeding nearby.

Take Control of Flies Today.

When it comes to protecting your animals and property from flies, Spalding Labs’ holistic approach provides the ultimate solution. By choosing Spalding Labs, you’re not just getting a product—you’re gaining a partner dedicated to your success.

Get started today by ordering Fly Predators or contacting our team to develop a custom plan tailored to your unique needs.

Contact Our Team

Reach out with questions or for a free consultation:  1-888-880-1579