Flies are out of control

schmije

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I noticed yesterday that my suri alpaca boy is covered with flies. The other llamas and alpacas didn't seem nearly as affected. I got bit by them several times, so I can only imagine what they're doing to him. What can I do to help him?
 

HoneyDreameMomma

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Does anyone know of a similar product you could use on dogs and goats? We've tried a few organic methods, but they weren't terribly successful. We prefer organic, but aren't tied to it if the comfort and safety of our animals are at risk.
 

bcnewe2

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Arbico Organics. They sell fly predators. Deliver once a month and really, if you get the right amount your fly problem will greatly diminish.
What I want to know is why the flies pick certain animals to collect on and not the others. I have the same issues here if I don't get my fly eaters going soon enough in the spring.
 

HoneyDreameMomma

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True about how they pick specific animals. The flies harass our two Pyrs to no end, but seem to hardly bother our Anatolian mix at all. :hu
 

greybeard

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Can't help with the current problem much, but the trick to all livestock fly control is to begin early--even before you notice any flies.
If possible, get rid of any moist or boggy areas--biting flies like horseflies, stable flies, deer flies, breed there. Drag your pastures, meaning drag a heavy bar or chains across the pasture to knock down all the manure piles. Spreading them helps dry them out and flies won't have a place to lay eggs. A harrow will work for this as well. It doesn't need to dig into the ground, just knock down and spread out the poop. If you don't have a problem with insecticides look into products similar to Rabon blocks, and start them early. Make sure you get the one specifically for your livestock. Rabon is a feed thru preventative, meaning it's active ingredient is passed thru the guts and out in the manure. This kills the fly larvae. It will help greatly, if your neighbors actively work to prevent fly infestations as well.
I don't keep equines of any kind but here's something to read:
http://twocrowsalpacas.com/index.cfm/feature/19_30/lets-talk-about-flies.cfm

http://alpacanation.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11421

http://ipm.wsu.edu/livestock/images/FeedThroughFlyControl.pdf

Due diligence is required for any pesticide or fly control method--please------fully research any system you choose to make sure it is safe for YOUR livestock species.
 
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