How Do I Get Rid of Chicken Coop Flies Effectively?

Every backyard chicken owner knows the frustration of flies buzzing around, annoying both you and your flock. Today, we’re tackling how to get rid of chicken coop flies. 

And trust me, getting rid of them isn’t as hard as you think!  Flies love your chickens’ home for all the wrong reasons. It’s time we made it clear they’re not welcome anymore.

This blog will provide step-by-step instructions on how to get rid of chicken coop flies efficiently and affordably. Using a blend of natural remedies and tougher approaches, you can create an environment that flies hate. 

Understanding the Link Between Chicken Coops and Flies

Flies are a problem every backyard chicken keeper will face at some stage. But why is that? And should you be worried?

Why Flies Are Attracted To Chicken Coops

Flies are attracted to coops for several reasons, including:

• Manure: Chicken droppings and dirty coop bedding are fly attractants.
• Food Scraps: Leftover or wet chicken feed becomes food for flies.
• Moisture: Flies prefer damp areas to lay their eggs.
• Warmth: Flies congregate in chicken coops because of the constant warmth and weather protection.

Flies thrive in warm, moist conditions where food is abundant. And what better place than a chicken coop full of fresh manure and spilled feed? 

In recognising the link between how we raise chickens and the surge of flies, we pave the way for introducing impactful strategies to curb their numbers.

Risks

A small number of flies in your chicken coop is normal. Chickens eat flies so a few bugs will keep them entertained and happily snacking. However, a high population of flies can become irritating for both you and your chickens.

If they lead to your flock feeling stressed, this could result in decreased egg production and behavioural problems. The greatest risk flies pose is disease transmission.

They can carry various pathogens and parasites that cause diseases in chickens, such as avian influenza, salmonella and coccidiosis. This may result in poor growth, respiratory problems, digestive issues or death.

How To Get Rid of Chicken Coop Flies Naturally

If you only have a small amount of flies, we recommend trying natural remedies first. They can work wonders without harming your chooks or the environment.

Plants in Your Garden

Certain plants and herbs naturally repel flies. By planting these close to your chicken yard, you can reduce flies and have your garden smelling great. 

Some great choices include:

• Camomile
• Lavender
• Lemongrass
• Mint
• Oregano
• Rosemary
• Thyme

If you are unable to plant them, you could try hanging dried bunches inside the coop.

Diatomaceous Earth 

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a powder made from fossilised algae. It’s safe around chickens when food-grade DE is used and works wonders by dehydrating flies upon contact. 

Sprinkle it around the coop’s perimeter and nesting areas but remember – moderation is key as too much can irritate your chickens’ respiratory systems.

Mechanical and Chemical Solutions for Fly Control

For more serious fly infestations, you need a more serious approach.

Fly Traps

Trap and kill flies using these affordable tools:

• Jar Traps: Containers with small openings – they are easy for flies to enter but harder to escape. Once inside, they drown in a liquid bait.
• Fly Strips: Sticky fly ribbons have an adhesive coating that flies become stuck to when they land.
• Electric Traps: Electric fly traps use ultraviolet light to attract flies, which are then zapped by an electric grid when they come into contact with it. 

Fanning

A good old-fashioned fan set up near your coop can work wonders. Flies aren’t strong fliers; even a gentle breeze from an electric fan can keep them from landing in your chickens’ domain.

Chemical Treatments

Chemical bug sprays can be very effective in killing flies. However, certain sprays can be toxic to your chickens too. Always choose products specifically designed for use around poultry.

These aren’t your average fly sprays, but ones formulated to ensure they’re safe around animals that lay the eggs we consume and share our backyards with.

• Permethrin-based Sprays: These are highly effective against flies and other pests without being harmful to chickens if used as directed.
• Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs): These clever chemicals interrupt the life cycle of flies, preventing them from maturing into adults without affecting birds or humans.

However, always remember to follow the label instructions meticulously. Overdoing it isn’t beneficial for anyone; less is more when it comes to chemicals. If you feel unsure about using chemicals yourself, seek professional advice.

Importance of Coop Cleanliness

Our number 1 tip to deter flies is to keep your coop clean. Flies are attracted to chicken droppings, food scraps and dampness. Keeping these to a minimum in your coop is a natural fly repellent. 

Regular Cleaning

Clean the coop area whenever it starts to smell. This is usually once per week but may be more often depending on the size of your coop and your flock. You will need to replace soiled coop bedding, replace straw in the nesting boxes and wipe down the droppings board.

Utilising absorbent materials such as hemp or pine shavings helps maintain a dry environment, which is less appealing to flies.

Remove Food Scraps

Flies are not usually attracted to dried chicken feed. However, they do enjoy moist organic matter. At the end of each day, remove any fresh food scraps your flock didn’t eat.

Give them their daily feed in a Treadle Feeder with a lid. This will protect their feed from rain, stop it getting wet, and therefore not attract flies. Avoid scattering your hens’ daily feed on the ground of their coop. If it doesn’t all get eaten, it will get wet and become a target for flies.

Ventilation

When buying a chicken coop, ensure it has windows for ventilation. Adequate airflow reduces moisture levels, preventing fly breeding grounds from establishing within your coop.

The Cabana Chicken Coop has sliding windows on each side of the house, allowing you to open them each day for fresh air and to help dry out the coop. If the weather is bad, simply slide them closed to keep out the rain.

Toni’s Wrap

Flies are attracted to chicken coops because they’re warm, damp and contain food sources (aka. food scraps and manure). Chickens eating a few flies is normal, but an excessive number of flies in the coop can lead to stress and disease.

In this blog, we’ve provided detailed instructions on how to get rid of chicken coop flies effectively. Natural remedies should be your first choice and are a non-toxic, eco-friendly approach to DIY fly deterrence.

If your fly problem is more serious, consider traps and bug sprays. Your chicken’s safety is priority so always do research before using chemicals near your pets.

The goal isn’t for a 100% fly-free coop (an impossible task) but rather to minimise their numbers significantly so both you and your chickens can enjoy a healthier and more comfortable environment.