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2 il February 1958 ARS~—33-45 
4 United States Department of Agriculture 
Vids | Agricultural Research Service 
SUGGESTIONS FOR FLY CONTROL IN POULTRY ESTABLISHMENTS 
Prepared by the Insects Affecting Man 
and Animals Research Branch 
Flies have always been a problem in poultry establishments. In 
recent years this problem has been increased by the use of batteries of 
cages with wire floors, which have provided favorable places for the 
house fly and other flies to breed. When poultry droppings are allowed 
to accumulate for several weeks, the thick layers and cones formed may 
provide favorable breeding material, especially if they are moist. A 
defective watering system, driving rain, or surface water will make 
most of the manure mass suitable for fly breeding. The breeding is 
generally greater on concrete or other impervious floors than on bare 
ground, because there is no loss of moisture by seepage. In such 
places thousands of flies may be produced daily, and it is very 
difficult to control then. 
Good sanitation is the first step in controlling flies around 
poultry establishments, just as it is around livestock barns, certain 
industrial processing plants, and homes. Manure should not be allowed 
to accumulate, but should be removed and disposed of at least twice 
each week. This procedure is not always entirely practical; so an 
insecticide must be used. Insecticides and formlations to use are 
given in the accompanying table. 
Dry and Liquid Baits 
Poison baits have been very successful in controlling adult house 
flies in certain types of poultry houses and other livestock shelters. 
Dry baits should be scattered on a fairly dry, hard surface, so as not 
to dissolve and become ineffective. They may be applied on the floor, 
window sills, in feed rooms, and in other places where flies rest or 
search for food. 
Liquid baits may be applied with an ordinary sprinkling can. 
About half the holes should be plugged so that the bait will spread 
thinly in strips 4 to 6 inches wide. They may be applied on dry floors, 
boards, sacks, or other impervious materials. 
