Spalding Labs’ Fly Predators: The Gold Standard in Fly Control

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


At Spalding Labs, we understand how critical effective fly control is for keeping your horses, livestock, and property comfortable and healthy. That’s why we’ve developed Fly Predators, a specially formulated blend of the most effective species of parasitoid 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 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

The studies revealed a clear advantage to using Spalangia and Muscidifurax species:

  • 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:

  1. Prevent Flies Before They Hatch
    Simply sprinkle Fly Predators near manure piles, compost, or other areas where flies reproduce. By parasitizing the fly pupae, Fly Predators stop the fly life cycle, significantly reducing the population before flies emerge.
  2. Scientifically Proven Blend
    Fly Predators include only the most effective parasitoid species, Spalangia and Muscidifurax, ensuring you get the best results for your property.
  3. Environmentally Friendly and Safe
    Unlike chemical-based solutions, Fly Predators are completely natural and safe for animals, people, and the environment. They target only pest flies, leaving beneficial insects and wildlife undisturbed.

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 results. Our Fly Predators are:

  • Scientifically Backed: Decades of research validate the effectiveness of the Spalangia and Muscidifurax species in our blend.
  • Customizable: Fly Predators are tailored to the unique needs of your operation, whether you have a small hobby farm or a large livestock operation.
  • Easy to Use: Spreading Fly Predators takes just minutes every 3–4 weeks during fly season, giving you effective fly control with minimal effort.

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 learning more about Fly Predators or contacting our team to develop a custom IPM plan tailored to your property.

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