Hi Debbie –
It is best to release Fly Parasites throughout the season for several reasons: pests produce more eggs in a shorter period of time since their life cycle is much shorter and flies come in from elsewhere. Also, releasing small amounts of Fly Parasites over a period of time (weekly, every other week or monthly) has proven to be more effective than a large release.
For best results, start releasing before flies become a problem. If pest populations are high, use a least-toxic, short-lived natural pesticide to establish control before releasing the predators. Here’s a list of our recommendations:
โข Sanitation is the most effective and important step in reducing pest numbers.
โข Dry and wrap organic waste before placing it in the garbage can or compost bin. Seal garbage cans with tight fitting lids.
โข Hangย The Big Stinky or other pesticide-free traps outdoors nearย problem areas —ย barns, kennels,ย garbage bins — to capture pest flies and reduce the number of egg-laying adults.
โข Food-grade diatomaceous earthย is a mild abrasive thatย works within 48 hours of contact to killย soft-bodied maggots. May also be applied to moistย areas where its sorptive qualities effectivelyย reduce breeding sites.
โข Least-toxicย botanical insecticides should be used as a last resort. Derived from plants which have insecticidal properties, these natural pesticidesย have fewer harmful side effects than synthetic chemicals and break down more quickly in the environment.
For more information please visit our page on how to get rid of flies naturally.
Hope it helps!
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