Flies buzzing around your chicken coop can quickly turn from a minor annoyance into a serious problem. Not only are they irritating for you and your chickens, but they can also spread diseases and cause health issues like flystrike. If you’re wondering how to keep flies away from your chicken coop, this article is packed with practical, natural, and effective tips to help you maintain a clean, healthy, and happy environment for your flock.
Why Are Flies Attracted to Chicken Coops?
Flies are drawn to chicken coops primarily because of:
– Manure and droppings: Flies love the smell and moisture of chicken poop.
– Leftover food: Spilled or uneaten feed is a magnet for flies.
– Wet or damp bedding: Moist environments encourage fly breeding.
– Warm weather: Flies thrive in hot, humid conditions.
Understanding what attracts flies is the first step to keeping them away.
Proven Strategies to Keep Flies Away from Your Chicken Coop
1. Keep the Coop Spotlessly Clean
The most important and effective way to reduce flies is to maintain a clean coop. This means:
– Remove manure frequently, especially from under roosts where droppings accumulate.
– Change bedding regularly to keep it dry and fresh.
– Clean up leftover feed and treats promptly.
– Avoid water spillage to prevent dampness.
– Use natural cleaning agents like apple cider vinegar for disinfecting without harsh chemicals.
2. Improve Ventilation and Airflow
Good airflow helps keep the coop dry and less hospitable to flies. Cross ventilation through windows or vents and even gentle fans can reduce moisture and discourage flies from settling.
3. Use Natural Deterrents and Repellents
Certain plants and herbs naturally repel flies. Consider:
– Hanging fresh or dried herbs like lavender, mint, eucalyptus, cedar, or evergreen boughs inside or near the coop.
– Planting an herb garden nearby (while protecting it from chickens).
– Mixing dried herbs into nesting box bedding to deter flies and delight your hens.
4. Apply Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
Diatomaceous Earth is a natural powder made from fossilized algae that dehydrates and kills insects like flies and their larvae. Sprinkle it lightly around bedding and dust bath areas. It’s safe for chickens but avoid inhaling the dust yourself.
5. Employ Fly Traps and Fly Predators
– Fly ribbons or sticky traps hung out of chickens’ reach can catch adult flies.
– Non-toxic fly traps using yeast, sugar, and water can lure and trap flies safely.
– Biological fly predators (tiny beneficial insects) can be introduced to naturally reduce fly populations by preying on their larvae.
6. Manage Waste Properly
– Use dropping trays under roosts to catch manure and clean them often.
– Compost manure in a covered bin away from the coop to prevent fly breeding.
– Avoid letting manure piles accumulate near the coop.
Additional Tips for Effective Fly Control
– Limit feeding time: Only provide enough feed your chickens eat within 20 minutes to avoid leftovers.
– Use dry litter materials: Sand or wood shavings dry out droppings and reduce odors, discouraging flies.
– Avoid chemical pesticides: They can harm your flock and the environment; natural methods are safer and effective.
– Regularly check and maintain screens on windows and doors to keep flies out while allowing ventilation.
Summary
Keeping flies away from your chicken coop is all about creating an environment that flies find unattractive. Frequent cleaning, good ventilation, natural repellents, and smart waste management form the foundation of a successful fly control strategy. Incorporate these tips consistently to enjoy a healthier, more comfortable home for your chickens—and fewer buzzing pests.
Flies may be persistent, but with patience and the right approach, you can keep your coop fly-free and your flock happy.
Flies are more than just a nuisance—they can harm your chickens. Keep your coop clean, dry, and well-ventilated, use natural repellents, and manage waste properly to keep flies at bay and your flock healthy.