Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
fl y larvae. Aeration is an important part of
the composting process so the compost pile
does not become a breeding site for fl ies.
Burial, burning or other forms of destruc-
tion of animal carcasses will eliminate
breeding sites for the fl ies that breed in
high-protein materials, whereas proper
treatment of wounds will prevent the
establishment of fl ies on wounds and on
living animals.
reduces fl y breeding without the need for
removal of the manure. If the manure is
accumulated into piles before fi nal disposal
or use elsewhere, these piles should also be
compacted as much as possible.
Proper drainage can also greatly improve
fl y control. Because many pest fl ies breed in
a semi-aquatic environment and all species
of fl ies require high levels of moisture in
their breeding environment, the elimination
of wet areas and excessive moisture can
reduce considerably the chances of fl y
survival through the development phase, as
well as eliminate the incentive for adult
fl ies to stay around the area. On the other
hand, an excessive dilution of animal
manure with water does eliminate the
chances of house fl y development because
this insect cannot develop in liquid media,
although a liquid manure can create con-
ditions for other fl y species (e.g. rat-tailed
maggots and soldier fl ies) to develop. A
close observation of the local conditions is
thus needed to avoid replacing one fl y
problem with another.
Proper maintenance of water and sewer
systems, as well as air conditioning systems,
especially drain lines and pans, are essential
elements of a fl y control system. When
working properly, these systems greatly
diminish the opportunities for fl y develop-
ment inside and around buildings; however,
leaks, water and debris accumulation in and
around these systems, and other problems,
can create conditions for fl y breeding.
Regular checkups on these systems can
detect and correct conditions that would
allow fl y problems from developing.
House plants and other material that may
contain soil and water should be closely
watched for any signs of fl y development. In
particular, when compost is used as potting
medium, fl y larvae may be transferred from
outdoors to indoors, with adults emerging
from planted pots.
Actions taken during construction of
structures can greatly affect the presence of
fl ies in these structures (Geiger and Cox,
2012). Exterior lights should stay on only
when necessary and emit the appropriate
colour to prevent the attraction of fl ies and
other insects to the structures and the entries.
Exclusion
Another sound way to avoid fl y problems is
to keep them from entering areas where
they can be problematic. Good-fi tting
screens on windows and doors can bar the
entry of fl ies into houses, food-processing
businesses and institutions, and other areas
where the presence of fl ies can cause serious
consequences. Air-curtains or fans above
entrances to commercial buildings are also
very effective in preventing fl y entry. Re-
stricting openings in roofs and chimneys
and other structural elements can also serve
as further deterrence for fl y entry into
houses and businesses (Geiger and Cox,
2012).
Cultural methods
Changes to the environment can be used to
prevent the development and survival of
fl ies. Beyond those measures used for
sanitation and exclusion described above, a
few other measures will create conditions
for a fl y-free environment. One simple
solution to decrease chances of fl ies moving
into buildings is to eliminate weeds,
especially near entrances and doorways.
This will eliminate resting places for the
fl ies close to the areas where they could
gain entry into buildings. Elimination of
weeds and other unwanted plant growth
also eliminates potential breeding sites for
various fl y species.
Another way to prevent fl y development
in otherwise suitable medium is to compact
that medium. In areas where animal manure
accumulates,
mechanical
compaction
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