By Dr. Ashish Dokras
Head – Market Development & Technical Services,
Envu India ashish.dokras@envu.com
Introduction
Poultry production in India has grown in scale and complexity. Along with this growth, pest-related challenges have become more frequent and severe. High-density housing, continuous litter buildup, and increased feed storage create favourable conditions for pest buildup. These include house flies, rodents, darkling beetles, and other ectoparasite pests, which have a huge impact on the quality and quantity of poultry products.
Such pests pose threats to bird health, productivity, structural integrity, and biosecurity. An effective, structured pest control program is necessary to ensure sustained performance and safety in poultry operations.
Key Habitat Pests in Poultry Production
Pests found in and around poultry environments can have significant direct and indirect impacts. Two major pests that are responsible for the spread of different types of diseases in poultry include house flies and rodents.
Table 1: Habitat Pests and Their Impact on Poultry
| Pest | Impact |
| House flies (Musca domestica) | • Transmit more than 100 pathogens, including bacteria, protozoa, viruses, fungi, and helminths |
| • Spread contamination from manure to feed and water | |
| • Cause stress and discomfort in birds | |
| • Spoil egg quality and affect worker hygiene | |
| Rodents (Rattus, Bandicota spp.) | • Damage insulation, wiring, and feed packaging |
| • Spread over 45 zoonotic diseases | |
| • Contaminate feed and water supplies | |
| • Kill young chicks and create biosecurity breaches | |
| • Spread viral, bacterial, and protozoan diseases such as IBDV, Marek’s disease, NDV, Salmonella, E. coli, and coccidiosis |
House Flies as High-Impact Vectors
House flies reproduce rapidly, completing their life cycle in 7 to 10 days under warm, humid conditions. Poultry sheds offer ideal breeding sites due to manure accumulation and persistent moisture.
These flies carry pathogens such as Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. They contribute to disease outbreaks and product contamination. High fly populations can also lead to odour issues, community complaints, and operational disruptions.
Monitoring Fly Load Before Intervention
Monitoring pest levels helps identify when intervention is necessary. It also prevents overuse of insecticides and supports evidence-based decisions.
Recommended monitoring tools:
- • Spot cards are placed in sheds to track fly activity
- • Baited traps to monitor adult fly populations
- • Scudder grids are used to count flies in designated areas
Integrated House Fly Management Approach
Effective control relies on a combination of practices that work together. These include:
- Cultural control
- Mechanical control
- Biological control
- Chemical control
Consistency and timely execution are essential across all these areas.
- Cultural Control
Environmental hygiene practices directly influence pest breeding and survival.
- Remove manure regularly and store it in covered, fly-proof structures
- Trim vegetation near sheds and dispose of it properly
- Avoid feed spills and store feed in sealed containers
- Promptly dispose of bird carcasses by incineration or deep burial
- Repair water leaks to keep the litter dry
- Maintain ventilation to prevent litter moisture buildup
- Mechanical Control
Physical tools help reduce fly entry and manage populations within sheds.
- Install mesh screens with 0.88 to 1.22 mm apertures on openings
- Use insect light traps with glue pads away from birds
- Seal structural gaps and monitor trap effectiveness regularly
- Biological Control
Natural enemies of flies exist, but their use in Indian poultry operations is limited.
- Parasitoid wasps such as Spalangia and Muscidifurax can be used to suppress larvae, but they have limited effectiveness
- The field effectiveness of natural enemies is often reduced due to frequent pesticide application, high temperatures, ammonia, and inconsistent supply
Biological controls can support other measures, but cannot be relied on alone.
- Chemical Control
Chemical interventions remain necessary in most operations. Their success depends on correct product selection, application, and rotation.
Table 2: Insecticide Misuse and Consequences
| Misuse | Consequences |
| Use of unapproved agrochemicals | Inconsistent results, toxicity, and residue violations |
| Incorrect dose or frequency | Resistance development, ineffective control, waste of resources |
| Mixing incompatible products | Unstable chemical reactions, increased toxicity risks |
| Over-application | Loss of natural predators, increased resistance, unnecessary costs |
Selecting and Applying Insecticides
Larvicides
Feed-through larvicides such as cyromazine 10% premix:
- Effective in caged layer systems
- Pass through the bird into the manure
- Require a 3-day pre-slaughter withdrawal period for spent fowl
- Treated manure should not be used on edible crop fields
Surface-applied larvicides such as Diflubenzuron 25% WP:
- • Applied to manure or litter
- • Best to include IGRs as they are mimics of natural compounds
- • Development of resistance is not common
- • Disrupt the insect’s moulting process
Adulticides
Use products with dual modes of action for fast and residual control.
Temprid SC (imidacloprid 21% + beta cyfluthrin 10.5%):
- Acts through contact and ingestion
- Slows resistance development
- Suitable for scheduled rotation programs
Application tips:
- Apply on fly-resting surfaces such as walls, ceilings, and support structures
- Do not apply directly to birds
- Use a diluted solution at 50 ml/m²
- Rotate active ingredients periodically
Worker Safety and Handling
Chemical application must be supported by operator safety protocols.
- Wear gloves, face shields, coveralls,
- Keep chemicals away from feed, water, and birds
- Ensure proper dilution and use only designated application tools
- Allow treated areas to dry before re-entry
- Train all applicators in safe handling procedures
Bait and Space Spray Options
Quick Bayt (imidacloprid 0.5% RB):
- Apply as a paint-on or bait strip in non-bird zones
- Contains attractants that draw and kill adult flies
- Do not apply near feed or water sources
Space sprays
- Reserved for outbreak situations
- Use water-based, odorless formulations
- Avoid products requiring fogging or petroleum-based carriers
Table 3: Insecticides for House Fly Management
| Product | Active Ingredient | Dose | Application Rate | Notes |
| Bi-Larv WP | Diflubenzuron 25% WP | 5 g in 5 L water | 2 L/sq.m | Surface larvicide |
| Temprid SC | Imidacloprid + betacyfluthrin | 4 ml/L water | 50 ml/sq.m | Dual-action adulticide |
| Aqua K-Othrine | Deltamethrin 2% EW | 50 ml in 1 ltr. Water | ULV fogging: 50 ml per Hectare | Apply during high activity periods |
| Quick Bayt | Imidacloprid 0.5% RB | 200 g + 150 ml water | 150 ml/100 m² | For bait strips or panels only |
Operational Value of Integrated Pest Management
Uncontrolled fly populations reduce productivity, impact bird health, and threaten product acceptance. Eggs and meat may face rejection due to contamination or residue risk. Feed waste, medication costs, and downtime from disease outbreaks also rise.
Consistent implementation of integrated fly management improves feed conversion, reduces mortality, and helps maintain biosecurity and brand trust. Over time, this lowers operating costs and enhances farm resilience.
Conclusion
Poultry pest management requires structure, consistency, and informed execution. House flies and rodents present different risks and require a coordinated response. A science-based IPM approach supported by monitoring, hygiene, and safe chemical use ensures long-term control. This helps maintain bird health, protect output quality, and support the commercial viability of farm operations.