I try to keep the fly population in check with the stinky fly traps you hang around the yard. Very effective, but stink as they get filled. My husband was going to eat breakfast outside in the shad, so thought I'd remove the fly trap (very full fly trap) and dump it in the garbage.

BUT! Didn't make it. It slipped out of my hand and broke into the walkway. Oh, so very gross! Dead flies, half dead flies, live flies and STINK!!! So I've been trying to clean this up and get the stink out for about 2 hours. Lots and lots of bleach. The smell attracks the flies so I'm just inundated. Close to getting it so we can live with it.

Sorry, just had to share. But the subject line was a pretty good warning!

Those fly traps are horrible things. I tried one, and decided the cure was worse than the disease. With my chickens able to free range and distribute their droppings accordingly, flies are less of a problem than they would otherwise be, though.

We decided not use them anymore. I can't get the smell out of my nose. And you're right, the cure is worse than the disease. I clean twice a day so it's not really, really bad except when it's HOT.

I was going to try fly predators does anyone have experience with these

I did try them this year. The guy I bought them from was really informative and told me it was worth a try, but in my situation it may not be as effective. I live in SF with houses on all 4 sides with little room in between. Because of this my backyard is most likely not the only source of flies. If I were more isolated and the fly source was more specific like a stable it would work better. So although the fly parasites would eat the fly eggs in my yard, other flies are most likely reproducing in neighboring areas and travel from yard to yard.

I tried them anyway and it's too soon to tell. Just put out my second batch. If you try them, let us know how it works for you. Yoru place looks like it might be more effectvie. (From what I saw in the videos.)

I tried green lacewing larvae and pirate bugs for aphids and that really hasn't helped at all. Bummer. I was excited about using beneficial bugs this year.

The smell is unforgettable. In the UK we have Flitraps.

Reusable allegedly.

Believe me, you only try it the once.