Fly issues

[kidzmom5]

Ok I have a question on DE I bought some mixed it with the straw. And for a while the flies seem to disappear. But then I went out today to change the water and there were tons of flies again. So my question is what can I do to keep the dang flies undercontrol. Just to let you know I have those fly sticky hanging things in there with alot of flies on it. Then I read today that if you put orange zest around it the flies dont like citrus I did that and more came so I dont know. Its just getting annoying. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[fordmommy]

How often do you use the DE? I sprinkle it down at least once a week in both the coop and the run. It is that time of year for the bees/wasps and flies to go crazy. They are getting ready for winter.

 

[cgmccary]

I used DE for a couple of years and it never controlled flies. I have found that this gnat-size, fly-larvae eating wasp is my solution to flies:

http://www.arbico-organics.com/fly-control-program.html

It took a couple of applications for them to get established but my solar fly trap is now empty because I have almost no flies. They ship them to me about every 3 weeks until November. be careful to put them where your chickens can't get to them and eat the wasp pupae. I have a Bantam hen who watches where I put them & then flies over the fence and will scratch them up so I don't let her see me put them out anymore.

 

[toyzbox]

Question: I already have a gnat problem along with the flies. If I get these, won't that just seem worse??