Flies no more!! Found the perfect fly repellent.

AngryRWH said:

I tried the vanilla trees from walmart auto section. It does not work, same amount of flies. Can you post a pict

ure of the package so i can buy the same brand and try again? The only fly remedy that worked for me years back was cykick insecticide, but ot killed my ladybugs, praying mantis and all the bees . It took five years to detox my front porch area now i have a healthy thriving bee hive but flies as well. I would love a non poisonous solution to flies, thanks!

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As far as a non poisonous solution: I've started using the Fly predators from Spalding labs (I learned about it here on BYC). I think they work best if started early in the 'fly season', rather than mid summer, but it's something to investigate.
And since the Fly predators take about a month to 'ramp up' (and maybe even longer), I've hung a fly trap that emits an attractive odor to flies (eg, it stinks). They crawl in, but can't get out.
This has worked VERY well, I never see bees in it, only flies.
If you use one, be sure to hang it on the far end of the coop/run or even your yard; away from where you mainly hang out.
But these work! I'll continue to use them as long as needed.




I have the vanilla scented trees; they help slightly, but are not enough by themselves.

Other tips: stay on top of cleaning up chicken poop. Also, flies like moist, not dry soil/bedding.
The Spalding labs web site has a lot of good info as well.

Thanks i will check that out! I put a box fan on the pen the birds like it and blows the flies away. Hate to see my electric bill at the end of the month!

What do you do if it rains? Do you have to keep them dry? How often do you need to replace them? Thanks (ps. These flies are killing me! The vanilla comes out tlmorrow morning.)

Luckyduck3 said:

What do you do if it rains? Do you have to keep them dry? How often do you need to replace them? Thanks (ps. These flies are killing me! The vanilla comes out tlmorrow morning.)

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Not sure if you are referring to the fly predator larvae or the fly trap.

The fly trap should be OK in the rain.

There is a lot more information about the fly larvae on the web site, geared to your geographic area.
They are used ~ March/May to Sept/Oct.
https://www.spalding-labs.com/produ...ly_control_for_backyard_chickens/default.aspx

I'd love to know whether the vanilla scented air freshener things have to be hung up out of the rain to keep their scent? (I'm having issues with flies outside in one area where the ducks love to sit, poop, make a mess with their food, drink, sleep, and keep an eye on me in the house.....I try to make them go to the grassy back area but as soon as I go inside they waddle down to their 'spot').

How often do the air fresheners need replacing and are they still working?

Luckyduck3 said:

I'd love to know whether the vanilla scented air freshener things have to be hung up out of the rain to keep their scent? (I'm having issues with flies outside in one area where the ducks love to sit, poop, make a mess with their food, drink, sleep, and keep an eye on me in the house.....I try to make them go to the grassy back area but as soon as I go inside they waddle down to their 'spot').

How often do the air fresheners need replacing and are they still working?

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I didn't have too much luck with the Vanilla scented air fresheners.
In our area, we mostly need them in warmer weather. But I also don't have ducks.
And of course, who knows how bad the flies might have been w/o them?

I think as long as they have a strong odor, they should still be effective. ( A bit of rain here and there shouldn't be an issue. Lots of rain might).

I am still reading this thread, but wanted to BUMP this !!


Anyone one ever made SCENT STONES? I have a recipe somewhere.
I am wondering if you make these, vanilla scent, toss them in the run, if that would help with flies in the run. Not sure how long they would last in rain. I think they are Plaster of Paris. But I am thinking Chickens will not bother them if they are big like your fist size ?

I am running out to get Vanilla trees

Ok got the trees at the $1 store (3 for a buck) Generic kind and they WORK!!
I even had a HUGE heavy windy thunderstorm yesterday that left 4 inches of rain in 1 hour Thought for sure the trees would be down and a huge flux of flies. Nope, say only 2 this afternoon and it may even have been the same fly .
None in the coop, none on run poop.
I do have the stinky jug next to the back of the coop but it is not as full as I would have thought, maybe 12 in there. I put that out last weekend.

OH, they also make those clip on the vent smellies and clipped it on the mid run area fence. Scent is scent no?