At Spalding Labs, we believe every horse owner, livestock caretaker, and property manager deserves a fly-free environment. Whether you’re caring for one horse in your backyard or managing a larger operation, a strong Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program is key to breaking the fly life cycle and keeping your animals comfortable.
We’ve put together a simple five-step fly control plan to help you identify the flies on your property and implement the most effective solutions.
Step 1: Identify The Fly
The first step to solving your fly problem is figuring out which flies are causing the issue. Different species of flies come from different sources, and each type requires a unique approach to control.
Here are the most common flies you might encounter:
- House Flies: These are often found around manure and rotting organic material.
- Stable Flies: Painful biters that breed in decaying straw or hay mixed with manure.
- Horse Flies and Deer Flies: Aggressive biters that thrive in wet, marshy areas.
- Black Flies: Typically found near running water.
If you’re not sure which flies are present on your property, use our Horseman’s Quick Fly Guide or reach out to us for expert advice. Once you’ve identified the problem pests, you can create a plan tailored to your specific situation.
Step 2: Stop Future Flies With Fly Predators
Stopping flies before they start is the most effective way to reduce their population. Flies reproduce in manure and other decaying organic matter, so it’s critical to target those areas.
Fly Predators are tiny, beneficial insects that naturally eliminate fly pupae before they can hatch. They are safe, easy to use, and highly effective for farms of all sizes.
How to Use Fly Predators:
- Sprinkle Fly Predators near areas where flies breed, such as manure piles, compost heaps, or damp, organic matter.
- Apply Fly Predators every three to four weeks during warmer months.
- For pastures, distribute Fly Predators in a grid pattern, about every 75 feet.
By targeting the source of the problem, Fly Predators reduce the fly population before it starts. They’re an essential tool for small properties and large farms alike.
Remember: Not all fly control insects are created equal. Trust Spalding Labs to provide authentic Fly Predators for maximum results. Learn more about Fly Predators or watch our How-To Video to see how easy they are to use.
Step 3: Control Adult Flies with Traps 
While Fly Predators stop future flies, traps are essential for managing the adult flies already buzzing around. Using a combination of traps will give you the best results, as no single trap catches all types of flies.
Types of Fly Traps:
- Sticky Traps: Great for catching house flies and stable flies.
- Biting Fly Traps: Specifically designed for stable flies and horse flies.
- Odor Traps: Attract and trap house flies with irresistible scents.
Place traps near barns, feeding areas, and anywhere flies are most active. Whether you have a small backyard setup or a larger property, strategically placed traps can make a big difference.
Explore our Fly Trap Selection and watch our How-To Video for tips on choosing and placing traps for the best results.
Step 4: Stop Attracting Flies 
Flies are drawn to strong odors, especially ammonia from manure and urine. Reducing these smells not only makes your space more pleasant but also discourages flies from sticking around.
Bye Bye Odor is an easy-to-use odor eliminator that neutralizes harmful ammonia and freshens the air. Use it in:
- Stalls and bedding.
- Manure piles and muck buckets.
- Barn aisles, trailers, and even your truck.
For smaller properties, spray Bye Bye Odor directly where odors occur. Larger properties can benefit from mixing it in a sprayer for wider coverage. By tackling odors at their source, you create an environment that’s less attractive to flies.
Step 5: Fly Spray Smarter 
Protecting your animals from flies is important for their comfort and health. Traditional sprays often rely on harsh chemicals, but Spalding Labs’ Bye Bye Insects fly spray uses natural, essential oils to repel flies as effectively as the best synthetic pesticide sprays, but without the harmful ingredients.
Why Customers Love Bye Bye Insects:
- It smells great while providing the same performance as synthetic sprays.
- It’s made with safe, natural ingredients like geraniol, citronella, rosemary, peppermint, and lemongrass.
- It’s safe to use on horses, livestock, and even people.
Apply Bye Bye Insects as needed to keep flies off your animals and enjoy peace of mind knowing it’s better for you, your animals, and the environment.
Create a Custom IPM Plan for Your Property
Every property is unique, and your fly control strategy should be, too. Whether you’re caring for a few animals in your backyard or running a larger operation, Spalding Labs is here to help.
Our fly control experts can work with you to develop a personalized IPM plan tailored to your needs. From identifying problem pests to implementing the most effective solutions, we’re committed to helping you achieve a fly-free environment.
Take control of your fly problem today! Contact Us to get started with your custom IPM program.
