FAQs

• Do they work? Definitely! When the fly parasite hatches the female must seek food and reproduce. To do so she seeks out fly pupa, stings them and lays eggs in them. This process kills the developing fly. The female fly parasite will sting multiple fly pupa killing each one. The eggs she lays will develop and hatch helping in your fly control. By constantly releasing fly parasites during the summer and through fly parasite reproduction, your farm can achieve significant control of your premises greatly reducing the fly nuisance.
• How well do they work? All dairies large or small will benefit from them. How well they work depends:
  Are they supplied in adequate numbers for the full season-weekly during the peak season and are they used in conjunction with good manure and feed management?
• Are they cost effective? Many dairies see fly parasites as a profit center to increase milk production
• How do they work? They are a nocturnal beneficial insect that will canvass your dairy seeking their only food source fly larva (eggs). They burrow down in the manure and silently kill the fly pupa.
• What about safely? Dairies use insecticides, feed through products, chemical sprays and poisons. All these products come with complex warning labels for your cows or people administering these poisons. Fly Parasites have no warning label. They are safe to use around all livestock, vegetation and humans.
• Where do you disperse them? Flies breed in semi moist manure, feed areas and around the inner and outer edges of your barns. If you have flies, it is almost certain they are breeding on your farm and not coming from the neighbors. Disperse where you think fly development could be happening then the fly parasites will canvass and go to work. It is important to disperse them throughout all areas so fly outbreaks do not occur.
• How many should I use and how often? We provide guidelines on usage based on how many cows you have. Count all the cows including calves. Often calf areas are heavy breeding areas. If you want stronger control purchase at a higher count level based on the guidelines. Extra fly parasites means better control.
• How do I know they work? Fly parasites do not affect existing flies but as you sleep the fly parasites will be working the dairy killing larva and as time passes you will wake up with fewer flies each day. Cedar traps, Electronic Zappers and Fly Tapes will not harm the parasites and are good effective products to reduce existing adult fly population.
• Can fly parasites be used with chemical fly sprays or other fly control methods? Yes. If you spray chemicals on the parasites you will kill them. If you have a spray program, release the parasites a couple of days after you have sprayed. Now use balEnce.
• How do we put them out? Shipments are delivered on a regular basis. Most dairies appoint one person to disperse them - often the owner. Spread them throughout the dairy in the evening - like dispersing grass seed. The fly parasites will soon hatch and start working. Unlike other fly control, fly parasites are not limited by location. They will canvass your dairy seeking fly larva wherever it develops inside or outside. When putting them outside it is best to cover them up with manure, sand, dirt, hay so they are protected from the sun and birds until they hatch. Once hatched they will be under the surface and safely working.

Questions and Answers for balEnce for Dairy Farms

Q. Is balEnce organically certified
A. Yes, balEnce is certified by the USDA, PCO-Pennsylvania, MOSA and numerous other certifiers. If your certifier needs information call Mr. Skinner 919-609-4564.

Q. When I use the spray how long can I keep the mix?
A. The mix will stay good if kept at a temperature below 75 for a few days, but, we recommend when you make a mix to spray it all out.

Q. The recommendation is to spray every 2 or 3 days. What if I spray every day?
A. That will not hurt but it probably is just as effective to do it every 2 or 3 days.

Q. It says the flies do not die for maybe a day, why?
A. The flies are being affected by a natural fungus that begins feeding on their soft tissue. They will die quicker when it is hot and the ones you have sprayed will all die and no longer be reproducing.

Q. Can I spray my cows directly? On the face?
A. Yes

Q. Where should the product be stored?
A. Store at room temperature or below. High temperatures over 80 will destroy the product.

Q. I want to buy one bottle to try it. What is the best way to give it a try?
A. This is a tough question an answer. It is important to have a treatment program to follow for elimination of flies. Fly parasites as a basis are always recommended and are compatible with the balEnce Spray. If adult flies are not being prevented by fly parasites it takes time to get them under control especially late in the season, it could take 4 to 6 weeks. Remember without parasites the adult flies are only 10 to 15% of the total fly population. The rest are eggs, larvae and pupae. To take out that fly cycle will probably take more than one bottle and if more is not used the customer might say balEnce did not work. It will definitely work if the full program is followed. We want you to be satisfied with balEnce so order enough.

Q. For horn flies should I spray the cow pies in the pasture? At what stage?
A. Yes, spray the fresh ones where the horn flies are laying their eggs. And spray your cows that come in with horn flies.

Q. Should I spray the bed packs?
A. Thoroughly. The packs, the sides and roof and even stir up the bedding and spray the maggots.

Q. What are the downsides of the product?
A. It takes time and effort to get the results but is worth both time and effort.

Q. Does this fungus cause any problems
A. The fungus is Beauveria bassiana (Bb) and is already there in your soil and will not cause other issues.

Q. What about the skin irritation warning?
A. This is a mandatory EPA labeling requirement. balEnce consists of soy oil and microscopic Bb. You will be spraying water and a small amount of the mix on the cows. It is not a practical issue.

Q. Can I convert from chemical spraying to balEnce for my whole dairy?
A. Definitely! This is highly recommended to eliminate the harsh chemicals on your farm. We have balance in gallons and higher quantities and would be glad to consult with you on this transition.

Q. The information says balEnce will kill stable, house, horn and face flies, what about horse flies?
A. Sorry, we wish but no.

Q. When do I start using balEnce?
A. Whenever you see fly emergence because remember the bulk of the flies to come are in process.