Biological control relies on various natural wasp parasites to build up in the house
and predate upon the fly pupa. The adult female wasp lays an egg into the fly pupa
which then develops into a wasp maggot and feeds upon the developing fly. After
about 2 - 3 weeks (depending on temperature and other environmental factors) the
maggot develops into a wasp and emerges from the fly pupa case.
This year additional species of raptor have been added to extend the temperature
the wasps operate in.The most common species used in the system are Spalangia cameroni
and Muscidifurax raptor. These are species found in Europe and have been identified
by the Natural History Museum as such. In many houses there will be a natural population
of either of these wasps, and the aim of biological control is to increase the predator
population to control the higher levels of the fly.
Cages
Treating poultry sheds and cages
Free Range and Litter Houses
Treating free range and litter houses
Resistance
Effects of fly resistance to larvicide
Cleanout
Cleaning out considerations