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What are Fly Terminators?
Fly parasites, as they are often called, are actually parasitic wasps. They are a natural predator of the fly. These tiny wasps neither sting nor bite humans, animals, or other insects. Fly pupae are the only things that need fear their attack. Wasp parasites seek out and prey upon fly pupae; during oviposition, the adult parasitic wasp inserts its eggs into a fly pupa. The fly pupa then serves as a host for the developing parasite, or parasites. The wasp larvae feed on the immature fly, thus killing it. Instead of a fly hatching out of the pupa, 2-3 weeks after parasitic oviposition, adult wasp parasites emerge from the pupal shell. Born on a mission, the adults seek out and terminate fly pupae. A female wasp parasite will terminate approximately 100 flies during her lifetime. Wasp parasites have a life span of about 3-4 weeks.
There are many different species of wasp parasites. They have no common names, only Latin. Solitary parasitic wasp species result in the emergence of a single wasp parasite from each oviposited fly pupa. While other parasitic wasp species are gregarious, yielding several parasites from each oviposited fly pupa.Each shipment contains a combination of wasp species Muscidifurax zaraptor (solitary) and Muscidifurax raptorellus (gregarious). This duo has proven to compliment one another in providing effective biological control of flies.
The figure below illustrates the way in which a fly parasite halts the metamorphosis process of the fly; utilizing the fly pupa as a host for the development of additional Better Bugs.
Maintaining Parasite Population While Diminishing Fly Population
Pesticide Sprays
Avoid using pesticide sprays around the fly parasites as you will eliminate them as well. Use caution when spraying for adult flies, keeping spray applications a safe distance from fly breeding areas such as manure.
Manure Management
Proper manure management is crucial. Excess manure promotes fly reproduction rates; however, complete removal of all manure at once is not advised, as the fly parasites establish themselves by hunting for hosts in such areas. When cleaning manure areas, alternate rows, or clean-up only half of manure. Allow a minimum of two weeks to lapse before cleaning the remaining half. Doing so will minimize the disruption of the existing fly parasite population, as their reproduction rate is 2 to 3 weeks. On average, they live for 3-4 weeks. Over time, releasing fly parasites at 2-3 week intervals results in a more consistent population of parasites.
Water Management
Effective water management is also a critical factor in eliminating flies. Wet manure, straw, or other organic matter create breeding sites for flies. Tall weeds and vegetation can allow areas to remain wet longer and also may conceal potential fly breeding habitats such as manure or old feed. Periodically check water sources for leaks and overflows.
Maintaining Balance and Control
In some cases, the parasites can be so effective that there fails to be a sufficient amount of fly pupae to host future generations; thus, periodic releases are recommended to maintain balance and control. For optimal fly control, parasite applications should be released once a week for the first few weeks. Thereafter, releases can be made every 1-4 weeks apart. In areas where fly development continuously occurs, multiple releases of fewer parasites may provide the best fly control coverage.
Fly Parasite Release Instructions:
Parasitized pupae should be kept inside of transport bag and the bag should remain closed. To obtain the soonest emergence of your Better Bugs (fly parasites), place bag in a warm place away from direct sunlight.>If necessary, hatch can be delayed by refrigeration for several days; do not freeze. Check periodically as parasites should begin to emerge between 1-10 days of receipt. You can check by holding the bag up to the light; the parasites are approximately 1.5 mm long, resembling a gnat in size. Don’t let their small size fool you; these little warriors are born on a mission to seek and destroy fly pupae! You can also check for emerging parasites by opening the bag; however, it is best to minimize any escapees until you are near desired target area. The fly parasites can travel within a radius of approximately 100 yards (300 ft.), in search of fly pupae.
Once your parasites have begun to hatch, disperse them as close as possible to problem sources. Sprinkle on manure and compost piles, place in the corners of stables, pens, and paddocks, disperse beneath bedding areas, under troughs or feeding locations, or other areas of noted fly activity. Sunlight can be damaging, as they are nocturnal by nature; therefore it is best to disperse the parasites in late afternoon or evening. If this is not an option, then distribute in shady spots. The parasitized pupae can be covered with a thin layer of dirt or manure to protect them as well. They are quite capable of tunneling out, as one of their duties entails burrowing into manure in search of fly pupae.
Alternative Release Method:?
Keep fly parasites in bag until a large amount have emerged from the parasitized pupae. Place the bag in a shady spot that is safe from ants. Preferably, choose a location centrally located to problem areas, otherwise make sure problem areas are within the parasites’ radius. Roll down top of bag to prevent accidental closure, thereby allowing parasites to fly out in seek of fly pupae. If wind is a factor, then make sure bag is securely positioned, or gently transfer contents of bag to any open container that is heavier-weighted.
How Much?
Each unit of fly parasites contains approximately 15,000 parasitized fly pupae; yielding at least 10,000 fly parasites. The mixed species variety contains gregarious or multi-hatch parasites as well as solitary or single-hatch species, thus it is possible for a single unit to produce anywhere from 50,000-90,000 fly parasites.
Unit Prices
½ Unit: $11
1 Unit: $22
5 Unit Sack: $100 SAVE $10
*Prices do not include shipping charges. Shipping prices vary based upon location and/or time of delivery, call for exact prices.
How Many?
The amount of parasites to release varies dependent upon factors such as the number of livestock present, as well as the conditions of the area. Some areas present more organic material than others, thereby increasing fly breeding sites which can result in a larger fly problem. Due to such variances in degree, the appropriate application can range anywhere from 5,000-25,000 parasitized pupae per horse or other animal. Typical applications are as follows, and can be multiplied for estimates regarding larger livestock populations.
Small Fly: Small breeding sites defined as areas consisting of 3 or less livestock, or not more than 50 fowl, rabbits, or other small animals, small compost sites, etc...
Small Fly-Apply: 5,000 parasitized pupae every two weeks.
How Often?
Begin biological control program with initial releases once a week for the first few weeks, followed with periodic regular releases thereafter.
Regular releases are recommended every 2-4 weeks to achieve and maintain adequate arrest of fly development.
In areas where fly development continuously occurs, increased releases more often of fewer parasites at a time, in lieu of a single disbursement, may provide the best fly control coverage.
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GNC INSECTARY, LLC 541-459-5099
P.O. BOX 925 SUTHERLIN,
OREGON 97479
