These insectary reared wasps arrive in the UK whilst still inside the pupae. Depending on the scale of the fly problem and the size of the manure heap these wasps are released into the most affected areas of your stable yard and left to do their work. By the time of distribution the adult wasps are ready to emerge, breed and lay their eggs. The released wasps deposit their eggs into the fly pupa, the wasp kills the fly and consumes the fly body therefore disrupting the fly life cycle and preventing them breeding. Once the fly population is eliminated or reduced the wasp population will also decline as they have no fly’s to prey on. Insectary reared wasps prey on flies reducing and ultimately eliminating the population, relieving your horse or pony of these troublesome pests!
This holistic biological approach is not a quick fix and we should start considering their use just before the fly season starts. By applying the parasitic wasps early to the areas of your stables or yard where fly populations breed, such as manure heaps, it will allow the wasp population to build and give them a better chance against the flies. It is also essential that you continue to add to the wasp population every fortnight during the breeding season.
Advantages of using parasitic wasps
• Safe to use and does not harm humans, animals or the environment
• Easy to apply
• An natural control method without the use of chemicals
Parasitic Wasps are supplied in sealed paper bags whilst still inside their pupa. Whilst in transit and storage in the UK they are kept at a low temperature to discourage hatching. As the flies are distributed onto the muck heaps, they will increase in temperature and start hatching.
Recommended Application Rate
You will need to apply the wasps every 2 weeks for about 6 times during the early part of the season to build up the level of parasites. The wasps should be applied to the dung heap and anywhere where there is residual faeces such as around walls. At the same time you need to reduce new flies coming into the premises and to do this you should use pheromone traps which will capture flies and prevent them breeding. In this way you both destroy the fly pupae and reduce new flies arriving at the stables. If you spread manure on pasture near to the stables, then the wasps will hatch out on the pasture and help to reduce new flies arriving at the stable.
SIZE OF MANURE HEAP APPLICATION
6m² x 2m (height) 1 X SMALL bag x 6 applications every 2 weeks.
10m² x 2m (height) 1 X MEDIUM bag x 6 applications every 2 weeks.
14m² x 2m (height) 1 X LARGE bag x 6 applications every 2 weeks.