Flies are more than just a nuisance—they’re a shared challenge for anyone who owns animals or lives near livestock. Even if you’re diligent about managing manure and using Fly Predators, flies can still invade your space from neighboring properties. That’s why Spalding Labs created the Good Neighbor Program—a referral initiative that helps you and your neighbors work together for better fly control.
Flies Don’t Respect Fences
Flies are surprisingly mobile. Species like the common housefly and stable fly can travel up to 2 miles or more in search of food, moisture, or breeding sites. Some fly species have been observed to travel up to 30 miles in search of food and egg-laying sites.
This means that even if you’re proactive about fly control, neighboring properties that aren’t managing their fly populations can inadvertently contribute to your fly problem.
Integrated Pest Management: A Community Approach
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a holistic approach that combines biological, physical, and chemical methods to control pests. When applied community-wide, IPM becomes even more effective. By coordinating efforts with neighbors, you can:
- Reduce overall fly populations in the area.
- Minimize the need for chemical sprays to promote a healthier environment.
- Enhance the effectiveness of biological controls like Fly Predators.
Collaborative efforts amplify the benefits of IPM, leading to a healthier and more comfortable environment for everyone involved.
The Role of Fly Predators
Fly Predators are beneficial insects that target and destroy fly larvae before they hatch, effectively breaking the fly life cycle. When multiple properties in a neighborhood use Fly Predators, the cumulative effect significantly reduces the overall fly population.
However, if only one property uses Fly Predators while surrounding areas do not, flies from untreated areas can migrate in and diminish the effectiveness of your efforts. Community-wide participation is key to maximizing the benefits of Fly Predators, which is why we created the Good Neighbor Program. Teaming up against flies makes pest control more affordable and effective for everyone involved.
Supplement with Fly Traps
While Fly Predators handle the larval stage of fly reproduction, adult flies can still migrate to your farm from neighboring areas. To combat this, we recommend using traps such as:
- EZ Trap: Effective for capturing houseflies and stable flies.
- Jug Trap: Ideal for outdoor areas with high fly activity. Place any odor traps like these at least 50 feet away from people and animals to draw flies away.
- Stable Fly Trap: The most effective stable fly trap tested by the USDA. Place it near leg-level areas where stable flies bite the most—along fence lines, near paddocks, or outside stall areas.
These traps help reduce the adult fly population, providing immediate relief while Fly Predators work on the next generation.
Introducing the Good Neighbor Program
Spalding Labs’ Good Neighbor Program is designed to encourage community-wide fly control efforts. Here’s how it works:
- Refer a Neighbor: When you refer someone to Spalding Labs, they receive a 15% discount on their first order.
- Earn Rewards: For each successful referral, you receive double the number of Fly Predators in your next shipment, at no extra cost.
By participating, you’re not only helping your neighbors but also enhancing your own fly control efforts.
A Healthier Environment for All
Effective fly control leads to:
- Improved animal health: Reduced stress and disease transmission.
- Enhanced comfort: Fewer flies means a more pleasant environment for humans and animals alike.
- Environmental benefits: Less reliance on chemical sprays promotes ecological balance.
By working together, your neighborhood can create a more comfortable and healthier environment for everyone.
Join the Movement
Ready to take the next step? Visit https://info.spalding-labs.com/good-neighbor/ to learn more about the Good Neighbor Program and start making a difference today.
