It’s not uncommon to see flies in a farmyard, particularly one that houses a lot of animal life, so it’s important to know the reasons, the possible precautions, and if they are dangerous.
Do ducks eat flies? Yes, ducks do eat flies, if they have the chance to do so, they usually do not purposely hunt them, but they will not shy away from a free meal.
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Do Ducks Attract Flies?
It’s not really the animals that attract flies but the mess of animal manure in the farmyard is a big attraction to flies (and this can also attract other pests such as rats, and mice), also food and other organic matter left around can attract flies.
Are Flies Dangerous To Ducks?
Flies do not really pose a threat to the health of ducks, however, they need to be kept under control and consider how to get rid of them if they are present in high numbers.
These insects carry a wide variety of diseases and parasites not just for ducks, but other animals too. It’s well worth finding a way to keep your farmyard clean and safe from these pests.
Considering that insects are an appetizing snack for our flock, the risk of contracting a disease from a fly is real. For example, blowfly maggots carry diseases such as Mallophaganosis (infection from ingestion of larvae) and Botulism (infection from ingestion of spores).
If flies are a problem where you live, you should definitely look into how to get rid of them.
How To Get Rid Of Flies Around Your Ducks?
You have probably already tried to get rid of them with different contraptions and insecticides, right?
However, the most effective method of controlling flies and other pests is by simply keeping your farmyard clean. This will not only help to control flies and other insects but also reduce in the risk of a parasitic infection.
How to keep your farmyard clean:
Remove all uneaten food from the duck coop and run – leftover food will attract flies. The same goes for water dishes – check and refill as necessary. Clear away any droppings from around the duck pen or any other areas where your ducks spend time. Keep an eye on sick or injured ducks too; if they are unable to get themselves away from predators they can be easy targets for maggots. Try to avoid having standing waters around your duck pen – this can attract mosquitoes and lurking disease-carrying parasites. Any standing water needs need modifying by some type of a biological filter (for example, mosquito larvae will breed in stagnant water).
I know it’s tempting, but don’t use insecticides around your duck pen! These are toxic substances that can kill not just the pests but also your ducks too! If you do want something to repel mosquitoes then try using citronella oil (your ducks won’t mind!).
Another way to get things under control is to use fly traps! These are specially designed to attract and drown flies and house fly maggots. You can find these as an indoor or portable fly trap, or as a long hose that emits a chemical light scent designed to attract the flies.
Ducks As Pest Control
Ducks are exceptional natural pest control. They will consume any unwanted plant or insect infestation that you might have in your garden.
They have an incredible sense of smell and they can crawl in the soil and find any insects that are hidden there. Ducks will search for these bugs with their eyes closed as well as with their ears up and they can sniff out any insect hiding in your garden.
What Insect Do They Eat?
Ducks, as said before, will eat pretty much everything that they can come across, during each day they will eat a large number of insects such as:
–Bees, ducks will eat any type of bee, from the common honeybee to hornets and wasps;
-Ground beetles are one of the favorite foods for ducks because they hunt them in the soil with their eyes closed;
–Stink bugs are also great duck food because they can be found on siding or under leaves. They are especially visible if you have a tree that has fallen over your garden;
-Moths and butterflies will fall prey to your ducks, especially during the warm summer months.
-Caterpillars will become a delicacy for your ducks. During the summer months, when caterpillars are pupating, they will be extremely tasty for your ducks;
–Ants and termites can be found on logs and branches. Paddling your ducks in the pond you can attract them for your birds to eat;
–Grasshoppers and crickets are another great source of food for your ducks. They will eat any type of cricket or grasshopper even if it is flying around the garden or running through the soil.
In Summary
Ducks eat flies and most of the insects that they come by. Eating flies is not really dangerous for them, but it must not become something that they do regularly since these insects carry dangerous diseases.
If you think you might have a fly problem, it’s necessary that you start taking the correct precautions. Keep your yard clean as much as possible, make sure that you have a good water drainage system.
