When dealing with a significant fly problem on a dairy farm, what should you examine first?

When addressing a significant fly problem on a dairy farm, the most effective first step is to examine manure handling procedures. Flies, particularly those that can be problematic on cattle farms, are often attracted to areas where manure is present, as it provides both a breeding ground and a food source. Proper manure management can greatly reduce fly populations by eliminating breeding sites.

Evaluating manure handling procedures involves assessing how manure is stored, removed, and disposed of. This could mean looking at how frequently manure is cleaned from barns, whether it is composted, or if it is spread out in fields in a way that minimizes fly propagation. Implementing better practices such as regular removal or effective composting can dramatically impact fly numbers.

While feed quality, water sources, and animal bedding can also play roles in insect attraction, they are generally not the primary contributors to fly infestations in the context of dairy farms. Properly managing manure is the key to significantly reducing fly issues.