Fly Control

I've heard dimatecoius earth (probably spelled wrong) can be sprinkled lightly on chicks and ducks to Ward off some bugs. Haven't fully researched that yet though.

 

I use diatamaceous earth (probably spelled wrong too) for my horse manure pile and it does help knock down the flies. Bi-weekly turning of the pile speeds up composting and creates a hot enviroment that helps.

But, keeping everything clean knocks flies down more than anything else.

Keep one thing in mind when using diatamaceous earth - it is very harmful to your lungs (and your chicken's lungs). I wouldn't use it in a dust bath, but I will use it under the roost in the coop.

The coop I bought has screens under the roost and all the poop will go into a pan that I can simply dump in the compost pile. I plan on putting some PDZ and some diatamaceous earth in that pan to help with smell and flies.

 

That's odd that its harmful to lungs yet it is sold in feed stores for animals to eat as a nutritional boost.

 

I actually buy food-grade, but I haven't taken any. A friend mixes a spoonful in orange juice once or twice a week and drinks it.

It kills bugs because it cuts through their protective coating and makes them dry up and die.

I've read many places on the internet that say that it is NOT harmful to your lungs. Do a google search. Some experts will say not to breath it. Some will say that it is safe to breath. I error on the side of caution.