1998 ESA North Central Branch Meeting Abstract
77 CAGED LAYER POULTRY PESTS IN OHIO. William F. Lyon, Department of Entomology, The Ohio State Universtty, Columbus, Ohio 43210-1000
Ohio ranks first in the nation in caged layer egg production with 27 million birds and 33 million expected within six years. The shift from many small flocks to large factory farms has greatly increased fly and, beetle problems by concentrating large volumes of manure as breeding areas. As non-farm residences increase, house fly and darkling beetles may become a public health nuisance, resulting in poor community relations and threats of litigation. Manure management is the most effective means for fly and beetle control. In early spring (March), sample for fly maggots by walking the manure pits. Use a hoe to sample "hot spots" where water has laid. Flies breed greatly in April and May, but can be year around since there is no true diapause or hibernation. Remove and dispose of dead birds and broken eggs quickly in a composter, incinerator, deep ground burial, etc. By composting with hardwood sawdust on a concrete slab at 130°F, dead chickens (bones and feathers) are completely gone in only 10 days with no odor. At manure cleanout, always leave a row of manure as a reservoir for beneficial insects. Darkling beetles aerate the manure and consume fly immatures. However, many millions of beetles build up in the manure, and when manure is field spread, can fly or crawl at night up to a mile or more into neighboring fields and homes. Monitor adult house flies with white or yellow 3 x 6 inch tags on head rafters. Use three to four cards per house and count the number of fly specks in one day, five days, one week, etc. Treat when there are 40 to 50 specks per tag. Write on the tag the date, house number, number of fly specks, etc. which is documented evidence in lawsuits of an ongoing fly management program.
This paper will be presented on Monday.
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