It starts with just a few flies.
You swat them away, thinking it’s no big deal.
But soon, it’s not just one or two buzzing around…it’s dozens! Then hundreds!
Before you know it, whenever you open the coop door, a cloud of flies lifts off the ground like a mini swarm.
If you’ve ever had chickens, you know exactly what this feels like.
Flies aren’t just annoying.
They can carry diseases, irritate your flock, and quickly make your peaceful backyard coop feel more like a battlefield.
Especially in warm months, flies seem to show up overnight and multiply faster than you can chase them off.
For many chicken keepers, this is one of the most frustrating parts of raising poultry.
But the good news is, there are ways to fight back.
In this article, we’ll show you how to get rid of flies in chicken coops, step by step, using natural tricks, smart coop design, and easy-to-find tools that actually work.
Control Flies: But Why Are They There in the First Place?
Flies love places that are warm, smelly, and full of food.
Chicken coops are the perfect spot for them because:
- There’s chicken poop (flies love it!)
- Food scraps are left on the ground
- Water gets spilled and makes things wet
- Dirty bedding builds up over time
When flies gather in a chicken coop, they can spread germs and bother your chickens.
That’s why it’s important to learn how to eliminate flies in chicken coops.
Are Flies Bad for Chickens?
Yes, too many flies can be bad!
Flies can:
- Carry bacteria that make chickens sick
- Lay eggs that turn into even more flies
- Bite chickens and cause stress
- Annoy you when you visit the coop
So, if you see a lot of flies buzzing around, it’s time to take action.
How to Control Flies in Chicken Coops
There are many ways to keep flies away. Here are the best steps to try:
1. Keep the Coop Clean
This is the most important step! A clean coop has fewer flies.
Here’s how to do it:
- Scoop poop every day
- Replace dirty bedding weekly
- Clean up spilled food and water
- Wash waterers and feeders often
Clean coops don’t give flies a reason to stay!
2. Use Natural Fly Traps
You can make simple fly traps using things at home. Try this:
- Fill a jar with apple cider vinegar and a few drops of dish soap
- Cover the jar with plastic wrap
- Poke small holes in the top
- Flies go in but can’t get out!
Put the jars around the coop to catch lots of flies.
3. Add Herbs That Flies Don’t Like
Some plants smell nice to us but terrible to flies. Place these around or inside the coop:
- Mint
- Lavender
- Basil
- Rosemary
You can even hang small bundles near the nesting boxes or windows.
ALSO READ: Herbs for Chickens: How I Use Herbs in My Coop
4. Use Diatomaceous Earth (DE) to Control Flies
DE is a powder made from tiny fossils. It’s safe for chickens but dangerous for insects like flies.
Sprinkle it:
- In the bedding
- Around the coop floor
- Near feeding areas
It dries out fly eggs and larvae so they don’t grow up!
5. Install Fly Screens and Curtains
Keep flies from coming in at all by:
- Covering windows with mesh
- Hanging plastic flaps or curtains at the door
- Blocking any gaps or holes in the coop
This helps stop flies before they get inside.
What Not to Use in a Chicken Coop
Some bug sprays and fly killers are not safe for chickens. Be careful not to use:
- Strong chemical sprays
- Bug zappers are too close to the coop
- Poison that your chickens could eat
Stick with safe and natural methods whenever possible.
ALSO READ: Are Herbicides and Pesticides Safe for Chickens?
Can Chickens Eat the Flies?
Yes, chickens love to snack on flies! They are fast and fun to catch. A few flies are okay, but too many can cause problems.
Chickens can help lower the fly number, but can’t do it all. Learning how to eliminate flies in chicken coops is still very important.
What to Do if There Are Fly Larvae in the Poop
Fly larvae (baby flies) look like tiny white worms. They grow in poop and wet bedding. To stop them:
- Scoop poop more often
- Let bedding dry out between cleanings
- Add DE or garden lime to the floor
- Make sure rainwater doesn’t get into the coop
Stopping larvae early means fewer flies later!
Are There Bugs That Help?
Yes! Some bugs eat flies. These helpful insects are called “beneficial bugs.” You can buy:
- Predatory wasps that eat fly eggs
- Nematodes (tiny worms) that live in soil and eat fly larvae
They are safe for chickens and keep the bad bugs under control.
Make a Fly-Fighting Routine
To win the battle against flies, create a routine. Here’s a good one:
- Daily: Scoop poop, check for spills
- Weekly: Replace bedding, wash feeders
- Monthly: Check for cracks and holes, refresh herbs and traps
By doing a little each day, you stop flies from taking over!
Use Fans and Fresh Air
Flies like hot, still air. You can make it harder for them to hang around by:
- Adding small fans to the coop for airflow
- Opening windows with fly screens
- Letting fresh air in often
This keeps the coop cooler and makes it less inviting for flies.
Bonus Tip: Keep the Area Outside Clean Too
Flies don’t just hang out inside the coop. They also like the area around it.
Keep the outside clean by:
- Picking up spilled food near the run
- Cleaning up compost piles nearby
- Making sure trash cans are closed tightly
- Moving the coop once in a while, if possible
Less mess means fewer flies!
Can You Stop Flies Completely?
You might not eliminate every fly, but you can make the number small enough that they’re not a big problem.
Doing all these things will make you feel proud whenever you go into your chicken coop.
Your chickens will be healthier, and the coop will smell better, too!
Control Flies in the Chicken Coop: Before You Go…
Flies in your chicken coop are annoying and can be harmful. But don’t worry!
You now know exactly how to get rid of flies in chicken coops.
Keeping the coop clean, using natural traps, and adding herbs or fly-repelling powders will make your chickens’ home peaceful again.
Just remember to check things often and clean up daily. Your chickens will thank you with happy clucks and healthy eggs!