How do you control flies

[Tinkerchick]

I haven't tried this yet but my Aunt (who lives on a farm) said to plant a few plants of Mint around the area, the flies hate it. It's like a type of repellant, plus it smells nice. She swears by it.
Tink

 

[Whirlwind]

Hmm gotta try the mint thing. It goes crazy here where ever you plant it. Someone once told me they planted it around the pool to keep the weeds from growing there.

Just got the DE so hope that helps also.
Again be sure you get food grade only.

 

[mudhen]

Great idea, I've got mint growing everywhere. Think I may 'transplant' a few closer to the coops.
Thanks!

 

[AccidentalFarm]

I'd love to hear more feedback on the mint thing. I am rebuilding the chicken yard and plan to put planter boxes around the perimeter at ground level (to help keep things from digging under). I didn't know what I was going to plant in the boxes, but if mint works, I'll surround the yard with it! I do have some growing, and the chickens don't much care to eat it.

 

[Queen of the Lilliputians]

WOW! I have a ton of it! Someone planted it before we bought this place and it has completely taken over the rock garden. Not kidding here, hubby begged me to pull it up and the roots had turned into MATS.

I'll transplant some, but that stuff spreads like crazy. I'm afraid it will completely take over. I like the planter-box idea.

As for the flies, My girls have been in their coop now for 3 weeks, and I just saw the first fly tonight. I didn't realize they would be such a problem. Doesn't the Deep Litter Method help to kill them off?

I'm going to the feed store tomorrow, think I'll check on the DE myself.

-Meghan

 

[AccidentalFarm]

I don't have flies in the coop. I put Sweet PDZ and DE mixed in with the pine shaving bedding and it apparently works very well. Outside is a different story though. I do have flies in different areas outside, not necessarily in the chicken yard, and they are driving me mad! Night before last, I was trying to enjoy sitting in the hot tub, but there were a ton of flies buzzing around the water. Ugh! Now why would they be there??? Maybe I should crush some fresh mint and put it in a gauze bag and drop it into the water next time...hmmmm. Or hang it around the hot tub...

 

[Whirlwind]

If you plant mint leave it in the pot it came in and it will not spread as much cause the roots are so restricted. Have not tried this with mint but I did do it with honeysuckle and it worked. My momma told me this trick.