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How Fly Predators® Work

A step-by-step process on using fly predators®

Fly Predators® are the natural enemy of flies, but never bother people or animals. This is how the process works along with some quick tips for using your Fly Predators®.

Take Control of Flies Naturally with Fly Predators®


What Are Fly Predators?

Fly Predators are tiny, beneficial insects that naturally break the fly life cycle before flies become a problem. These non-stinging wasps target and eliminate pest fly pupae, preventing adult flies from ever emerging. Used by thousands of horse owners, farmers, and ranchers, Fly Predators are a safe, effective, and chemical-free way to dramatically reduce fly populations around your animals.

How Fly Predators Work?

Flies lay their eggs in manure and other decaying organic matter. Within days, these eggs hatch into larvae (maggots), which soon develop into pupae—the stage right before they become adult flies. This is where Fly Predators work their magic.

Fly Predators seek out fly pupae, burrow inside, and prevent flies from hatching. Instead, these beneficial bugs complete their own life cycle and naturally continue to stop future fly generations. Since Fly Predators only target pest flies, they don't bother people, animals, or beneficial insects, making them an ideal solution for anyone with a fly problem.

How to Use Fly Predators?

 

  1. Receive Your Shipment and Wait for Emergence: Don't release your Fly Predators right away! Wait until you see at least a dozen tiny insects moving in the bag. This can take up to 14 days in cooler temperatures.
  2. Storage: Keep the bag in a warm, shaded area (never direct sunlight) to speed up emergence.
  3. Release in the Right Areas: Sprinkle Fly Predators near manure piles, compost areas, paddocks, and other places where flies reproduce. Avoid areas where adult flies are seen the most—target their breeding grounds instead.
  4. Distribute Properly: Spread Fly Predators proportionally to the amount of manure or organic matter in each area. While Fly Predators can travel up to 150 feet, placing them within 50 feet of fly breeding sites ensures the best results.
  5. Avoid Pesticides: Using chemical sprays or baits near release areas can harm Fly Predators, so keep these products away from their habitat. Instead, use fly traps to catch existing adult flies without interfering with your Fly Predator program.
  6. Be Patient: Since Fly Predators prevent new flies from emerging, results take about 30 days to become noticeable. Adult flies already present will still live out their short life cycle, but new ones won't be replacing them. If your neighbors have animals, encourage them to use Fly Predators too—flies can travel over ¼ mile!

How Ordering Works?

  • At Spalding Labs, we make Fly Predator delivery easy and convenient:
  • Set Up Your Subscription: Choose a plan that fits your property size and fly pressure. Our team can help customize your order based on your animals and environment.
  • Receive Automated Shipments: We send live Fly Predators at the right time, based on your location and climate, so you always have the best protection.
  • Ongoing Support: Questions? Our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Identify Your Needs
When ordering Fly Predators® we customize your order based on your needs. For every large animal, you will need approximately 1000 fly predators. We also factor in your location and climate.
Create Schedule
Get your recommended Fly Predator® schedule. Because pest flies reproduce nine times faster, adding supplemental Fly Predators® every three to four weeks during warm months keeps the population balance necessary for good fly control.
Get Your Shipment
We ship you your Fly Predators® in a safe package during their cocoon stage. Don’t open the bag until you see a dozen or more running around. This can take up to 2-7 days after they arrive.
Spread Your Predators
Once the Fly Predators® are ready, put them out within a day or two. They want to be where the pest flies reproduce, so sprinkle them out in moist areas such as manure. Once they are put out, you're done! Repeat as necessary with your determined schedule.

Why Choose Spalding Labs?


  • Proven & Trusted Since 1976 – We’ve helped horse owners, farmers, and livestock managers control flies naturally for nearly 50 years.
  • Superior Quality – Our Fly Predators are bred and shipped with precision to ensure the healthiest, most effective insects.
  • Customized for You – We tailor shipments to your climate, location, and fly pressure, so you get the best results.
  • Unmatched Customer Support – Need advice? Our team of fly control experts is always here to help.

Ready to Stop Flies Before They Start?

Join thousands of satisfied customers who rely on Fly Predators for natural, effective fly control. Order today and take the first step toward a fly-free barn or farm!

ORDER YOUR FLY PREDATORS® NOW

Quick Tips for Fly Predator®

COMMON QUESTIONS ANSWERED ABOUT FLY PREDATORS®

How many Fly Predators® do you need?

The number of Fly Predators® depends on your animal needs. Each large animal needs about 1,000 Fly Predators®. We will help you determine your numbers when you go to order.

How much should I put out?

Fly Predators® will go out approximately 150 feet in all directions from where they are sprinkled, so don’t worry about covering every manure pile on your property. If you have moist fields, sprinkle some every 75 feet in a grid pattern.

Where do I put them?

Fly Predators® want to be where the pest flies reproduce, so sprinkle them out in moist areas such as manure, or any other rotting organic matter on your property (lagoons, irrigation, feed troughs, old hay, etc.)

When can I open my Fly Predators®

When you receive your first shipment of Fly Predators®, there may be a few out of their cocoon. You will want to wait to open the package until 2-7 days after arrival when at least a dozen or more predators are hatched.

How many times do I need to put them out?

Pest flies reproduce nine times faster, so plan to add supplemental Fly Predators® every three to four weeks during warm months to keep the population balance consistent.

Do I put any in the barn?

Flies don’t typically reproduce in the barns, however, you can leave 5-10% of your Fly Predators® in the package and hang it up in a breezeway inside your barn.
ORDER YOUR FLY PREDATORS® NOW