Managing manure and conserving predators helps control flies in caged-layer poultry systems

Mullens, B; Hinkle, N; Szijj, C; Kuney, D

Managing manure and conserving predators helps control flies in caged-layer poultry systems

Authors

Bradley A. Mullens
Nancy C. Hinkle
Coralie E. Szijj
Douglas R. Kuney

Authors Affiliations

B.A. Mullens is Professor, Department of Entomology, UC Riverside; N.C. Hinkle is former Associate Cooperative Extension Specialist, Department of Entomology, UC Riverside; C.E. Szijj is Staff Research Associate, Department of Entomology, UC Riverside; D.R. Kuney is Poultry Farm Advisor, UC Cooperative Extension, Moreno Valley.

Publication Information

Hilgardia 55(5):26-30. DOI:10.3733/ca.v055n05p26. September 2001.

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Abstract

As the rural-urban interface expands, controlling flies has become increasingly important on California poultry farms. Manure management is a critical component of keeping fly populations in check. Recent research demonstrates that the dry pad left behind after manure cleanouts in cagedlayer poultry systems aids manure drying because of the elevation and improved airflow. Most mites and beetles that prey on fly eggs and larvae are removed in a cleanout, although predator populations require longer than flies to recover. Leaving undisturbed manure (with a larger number of predators) adjacent to recently removed manure did not improve fly control significantly in open-sided layer houses, but might be more important in fully enclosed houses.

References

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