How to Get Rid of Flies in a Chicken Coop？

Flies can be a nuisance in any chicken coop, not only for the chickens but also for the people tending to them. These pests are more than just an annoyance—they can spread diseases, cause stress to your flock, and reduce the quality of life for your chickens.

A fly-infested coop can also lead to larger problems like maggot infestations or the spread of illnesses to other animals or humans. This guide will walk you through practical, effective, and natural methods to get rid of flies in a chicken coop and prevent them from returning.

Why Do Flies Infest Chicken Coops?

Flies are attracted to the chicken coop for three main reasons:

1. Manure: Chicken droppings are a primary food source for flies.
2. Moisture: Damp bedding, spilled water, and wet areas are breeding grounds for flies.
3. Food Scraps: Uneaten feed or kitchen scraps left in the coop attract flies.

Understanding why flies are drawn to the coop is essential for tackling the problem effectively. The goal is to make your coop less appealing to flies while also reducing their population.

Steps to Get Rid of Flies in a Chicken Coop

Clean the Coop Regularly

The first and most important step to controlling flies is maintaining a clean coop.

• Remove Manure Frequently: Scoop out droppings at least once a day, especially in areas where chickens roost.
• Replace Bedding Weekly: Use fresh, dry bedding to minimize odor and moisture. Popular options include pine shavings, straw, or sand.
• Deep Clean Monthly: Scrub down surfaces with a safe disinfectant to remove residue and odors that attract flies.

Regular cleaning disrupts the fly life cycle and keeps the coop sanitary.

Eliminate Moisture

Flies thrive in damp environments. To reduce moisture:

• Fix Leaks: Check waterers and roofs for leaks and repair them promptly.
• Provide Proper Drainage: Ensure the coop has good drainage to prevent puddles.
• Use Sand Bedding: Sand dries quickly, making it less hospitable to flies and other pests.
• Ventilation: Install fans or vents to keep the coop dry and well-aerated.

Keeping the coop dry significantly reduces the fly population.

Manage Food and Waste

Flies are drawn to spilled feed and food scraps. To limit their access:

• Feed Chickens in Controlled Quantities: Avoid overfeeding to prevent leftover food.
• Remove Food Scraps: Collect uneaten kitchen scraps and dispose of them outside the coop.
• Use Fly-Proof Feeders: Opt for feeders that minimize spills and block flies from accessing the feed.

By managing food waste effectively, you eliminate a major attractant for flies.

Use Natural Fly Deterrents

Natural repellents are a safe and effective way to reduce flies in your chicken coop.

Herbs and Essential Oils

• Herbs: Mint, basil, lavender, and lemongrass repel flies. Place these herbs around the coop or mix them into bedding.
• Essential Oils: Use essential oils like eucalyptus, tea tree, or citronella. Mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and mist the coop lightly (avoid spraying directly on the chickens).

Fly Traps

• Homemade Fly Traps: Fill a jar with apple cider vinegar and a few drops of dish soap. Cover the jar with plastic wrap, poke small holes, and place it near the coop.
• Sticky Traps: Hang flypaper or sticky traps in areas where flies congregate. Be sure to place them out of reach of chickens.

Diatomaceous Earth Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth in damp areas and around the coop. It dehydrates and kills fly larvae without harming your chickens.

Use Biological Controls

Biological solutions target flies naturally without the use of chemicals:

• Fly Predators: These are tiny, non-stinging parasitic wasps that feed on fly larvae. Release them near the coop to reduce the fly population.
• Chickens Themselves: Chickens eat flies and larvae. Allow them to forage in controlled areas to naturally reduce the number of flies.

Biological controls work as part of a long-term solution for fly management.

Consider Safe Chemical Treatments

If natural methods are insufficient, you can use chemical treatments cautiously:

• Fly Sprays: Use chicken-safe fly sprays on coop surfaces. Avoid spraying directly on the chickens.
• Fly Baits: Place bait stations outside the coop to draw flies away from the chickens. Ensure chickens cannot access these baits.
• Permethrin Dust: Use a light dusting of permethrin on coop surfaces to deter flies, but ensure it’s safe for poultry.

Always follow label instructions when using chemical treatments to avoid harming your flock.

Maintain the Surrounding Area

The area around your chicken coop also plays a role in fly control.

• Remove Garbage: Flies can breed in garbage piles or compost bins. Keep these areas covered and away from the coop.
• Trim Vegetation: Overgrown weeds or bushes can harbor flies and other pests.
• Move the Coop Periodically: If possible, relocate portable coops to a new area to disrupt fly populations.

A well-maintained environment around the coop reduces the likelihood of infestation.

Preventing Flies in the Future

Preventative measures are just as important as active fly control. Follow these tips to keep flies at bay:

1. Install Fly Screens: Use mesh screens on windows and doors to keep flies out of the coop.
2. Use Fly-Repelling Plants: Grow fly-repelling plants like lavender, mint, and marigold around the coop.
3. Monitor Regularly: Check the coop frequently for signs of fly activity and address problems early.
4. Encourage Natural Predators: Birds like swallows and bats can help control the fly population around your property.

Prevention not only reduces the risk of flies but also makes managing the coop easier in the long run.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you’ve tried all the above methods and still have a severe fly problem, it may be time to call in a professional pest control service. Ensure the service provider uses chicken-safe treatments and understands the unique needs of poultry.

Conclusion

Flies in the chicken coop are more than just a minor annoyance—they can impact the health and productivity of your flock. By cleaning the coop regularly, eliminating moisture, managing food waste, and using natural repellents, you can effectively control flies and improve your chickens’ quality of life.

Combining these methods with preventative measures ensures a long-term solution to fly infestations. A clean, dry, and well-maintained coop isn’t just fly-free—it’s also healthier and happier for your chickens. With a bit of effort and consistency, you can keep flies out of your chicken coop for good.