Caged layer operations concentrate a large amount of manure in a relatively small area and therefore create an ideal situation for producing many flies. Flies and odor coming from poorly managed buildings may result in legal action against the producer. This guide gives recommendations for controlling flies only in caged layer operations where the birds are not in contact with the floor or litter. Properly managed floor operations seldom have a fly problem. The first, most important step in fly control is prompt and regular removal of waste material where flies breed.
Flies lay eggs on wet, decaying material.
This includes waste feed, broken eggs and dead birds. The maggots that hatch from these eggs cannot develop in manure or other dry materials. Keep droppings dry. Repair water leaks, both in water supply lines and building roofs. Soldier fly infestations usually start around the outside of open buildings where rain and snow have blown onto the manure and made it wet.