This episode of the Turkey Talk Show focuses on the importance of fly control in turkey farming operations. Sheila and Gretta speak with Chris Greene from Central Life Sciences about why flies are a major challenge for producers and how proactive planning can help reduce their impact. Flies thrive in environments with manure, moisture, and organic matter, making turkey barns ideal breeding grounds. Because flies reproduce quickly and can spread diseases such as salmonella and E. coli, managing their populations is essential for maintaining bird health, worker comfort, and overall farm productivity. The discussion highlights the importance of early preparation and using a combination of environmental management and pest control tools to stay ahead of fly populations
Fly control is an important part of maintaining healthy and productive turkey operations. Flies are naturally attracted to manure, moisture, and organic matter - conditions commonly found in turkey barns. Because these barns provide a controlled environment, flies are able to reproduce year-round, and with a life cycle of only 7–10 days, populations can grow quickly if they are not properly managed. The most common species found in turkey facilities is the house fly, while stable flies may occasionally appear but are more often associated with livestock operations such as cattle. Beyond being a nuisance, flies can act as vectors for pathogens including salmonella and E. coli and may contribute to the spread of other contaminants, making fly control an important component of overall farm biosecurity and flock health. Large fly populations can also create stress and discomfort for birds, reduce feeding efficiency and productivity, and make working conditions unpleasant for farm staff.
Producers can reduce fly pressure by focusing on environmental prevention strategies that make barns less attractive to flies. This includes regularly removing manure and organic waste, eliminating standing water and excess moisture, repairing leaks and drainage issues, mowing grass, controlling weeds around barns, and maintaining a clean perimeter around facilities - ideally extending 40 to 50 yards from the barns. Effective fly control typically relies on an Integrated Pest Management approach, which combines environmental sanitation, monitoring fly populations, and using control tools such as traps, baits, and sprays. Since there is no single solution that eliminates flies completely, using multiple control strategies together is the most effective approach.
Monitoring fly activity is an important part of this process. Sticky traps can be placed at medium to high levels in barns where flies tend to rest, allowing producers to track fly populations over time. Common control tools include scatter baits, fly bait sprays, sticky traps, and traps placed in resting areas. Products should be rotated periodically to prevent flies from developing resistance. Proper bait placement is also critical - bait should never be placed near birds because it attracts flies. Instead, it should be positioned away from the flock to draw flies away from them, similar to the “picnic table rule,” where bait is placed away from where you want flies to stay away.
Fly control should begin before the spring season, as flies often become active once temperatures reach around 50°F. However, because turkey barns maintain consistent indoor temperatures, monitoring and management should occur year-round. Overall, producers are encouraged to start planning early, keep necessary supplies on hand, consult pest management experts when needed, and place fly baits strategically to keep flies away from birds and maintain a healthier environment for both flocks and farm workers.