Flies are a problem pest in poultry houses, horse stalls, and livestock barns. If left unchecked, flies can irritate animals, cause infections, and even spread diseases.

Knowing how and when to properly use fly traps can help make eliminating these pests much easier. In this article we share 3 tips to help you make the most effective use of your fly traps.

Select The Right Type of Fly Trap

If you’re looking for traps to kill barn flies, there are a lot of different options. Some have specific applications and rely on chemicals while others simply catch flies. Be sure to understand the types of traps that are available to find the best option for your situation.

The most common types of fly traps include:

Sticky fly traps: Sticky traps are one of the most common and simple ways to eliminate flies. A variety of options are available, but most sticky traps include a glue-coated surface that uses color or chemicals to attract flies. Once they land on the glue surface, they become stuck. You can then dispose of the traps.

Box traps: Box or container-style fly traps use an attractant to lure in flies. Once they enter the trap, they’re unable to escape. Some styles of container traps may also use a chemical insecticide to knock down flies.

Bait traps: Come in several different varieties, popular brands like QuickStrike® offer sprays that can be applied to walls or fly abatement strips that are hung directly from a ceiling. These traps include an attractant and chemical insecticides to quickly kill flies.

Bug zappers: Bug zappers can be used to kill many different types of flying insects, including flies, gnats, moths, and mosquitos. Zappers use light to attract insects, and when the insect lands on the zapper, they are shocked with electricity, killing them instantly. Zappers are chemical free, but do require an electrical source and can pose a fire risk if used improperly.

Place Traps In The Right Spot

Simply hanging sticky fly traps or placing zappers around your barn is not going to be an effective elimination strategy. There are several key factors to consider when placing traps.

Proximity

Identify where the flies congregate. If there tends to be a higher concentration of flies in one area of your barn, be sure to place more traps or apply QuickStrike® sprays there. Often, identifying fly congregations will also help you implement other pest management strategies. These areas are likely closer to their food source and breeding sites.

Intercept Points

Flies that are entering your barn from the outside have several points of entry. Some of these can be repaired by replacing old doors and windows. Others can be managed with covers and screens. However, not all entry points can be eliminated. Placing traps, particularly sticky traps, close to these entryways can act as an “intercept point,” catching and killing flies before the infestation can grow.

Height

Flies will generally occupy higher areas, where it’s warmer. Be sure to hang fly traps in several high points around the barn. Also keep traps at a height where they won’t be a problem for livestock, humans, or equipment.

Light Sources

If using bug zappers, be sure to place them in areas where they will not be drowned out by other light sources, both natural and artificial. This means avoiding existing light fixtures, but also doors and windows where nearby light sources can enter into the barn.

Have A Barn Fly Control Plan

While traps can help eliminate flies, they’re not a prevention solution. To make the most effective use of traps, have an integrated fly and pest management plan for your barn.

Reducing moisture, controlling waste, and sealing points of entry will help make managing a barn fly infestation much easier than relying on traps alone.

Whether you need building materials or traps, let Farmer Boy be your one stop shop for everything you need to eliminate barn pests. Shop all of our barn pest control products to find the right solutions for your pest problem.0