Fly Control for St. Louis Pet Owners: Beyond the Spray

Flies can be a pesky problem, especially during the warmer months in St. Louis. While fly spray is a common solution, it's not the only tool in our arsenal. Proactive measures offer a more comprehensive approach to fly control. Here’s why taking early action is key, and some tips to keep those buzzing nuisances at bay.

Why Be Proactive?

Flies are not just an annoyance; they drastically impact your pet’s well-being. Imagine trying to enjoy your day with flies constantly harassing you or living in the corners of your eyes. It drains energy and can affect your pet's mood and performance. For horses, constant bites and blood-sucking from flies mean they can't perform their best during your ride if the other twenty three hours of their day is spent battling flies.

Effective Fly Control Strategies

Protective Gear

Equip your pets with fly boots and fly masks. These tools create a physical barrier to protect their faces and legs from invasive flies.

Biological Control

Consider using fly predators. These tiny insects feed on fly larvae, preventing them from maturing into pesky adults.

Traps

Odor Traps: Best for common house flies, place them away from barns or turn outs to draw flies away.

Sticky Traps: Hang near light sources to attract and capture flies already inside the barn.

Outdoor Sticky Traps: Effective for biting stable flies, place them strategically around your property.

Manure Management

Remove manure piles before the fly breeding season peaks. If removal isn’t possible, spread the piles to reduce moisture and inhibit fly egg development. Harrowing pastures and keeping muck away from barns and pastures also helps keep pesky flies as far away from stalls as you can. Additionally, remove old hay and unused buckets that collect water to eliminate potential breeding grounds.

Feed-Through Fly Control

Integrate an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) supplement into your farm animal feed. This inhibits the development of fly larvae, breaking the cycle before they can become a nuisance. Ensure it’s fed to all livestock to be effective.

Fly Sprays and Topicals

Fly sprays are a handy tool when traveling, offering protection for your pets during shows or trail rides. For those looking to avoid chemicals, there are pesticide-free fly sprays and herbal remedies available. These natural solutions can effectively ward off pests while keeping your pet safe and comfortable.

Additional Tips

• Use fans in your stalls and barns, as flies are less likely to fight against airflow.

• Employ tick control measures for livestock that spends time in the pasture, like pour-ons, especially on the mane and tail areas.

Keeping your pets comfortable and healthy during fly season in the midwest requires proactive strategies beyond just fly sprays. By employing a combination of preventative measures, you can create a safer, more enjoyable environment for your animals. At House of Paws, we’re dedicated to helping your pets thrive without the pesky buzz of flies, allowing them to focus on what truly matters: enjoying their time with you.