As temperatures rise during the spring and summer months, pest pressure can increase rapidly in and around poultry houses. Flies, darkling beetles and mites are among the most common pests producers should monitor closely because uncontrolled populations can negatively impact bird health, facility conditions and production performance. In addition to irritating birds and damaging equipment, pests can also act as vectors for pathogens, creating additional food safety concerns.
Warmer temperatures and humid conditions can also accelerate insect activity and shorten pest life cycles, allowing populations to expand quickly. Moist litter, manure buildup, water leaks and feed spills can further increase pest pressure by creating ideal breeding environments throughout the poultry house.
Food safety is an important consideration as well. Flies and darkling beetles are known vectors of Salmonella and can spread bacteria through their movement between litter, feed and birds. Research has also shown a correlation between darkling beetle populations and Salmonella load, reinforcing the importance of maintaining effective beetle control programs.
As pest activity increases during warmer months, strong integrated pest management (IPM) programs become increasingly important. Effective programs should include consistent monitoring, sanitation and environmental management to help identify pest concerns early and reduce breeding areas before populations become difficult to control. Managing manure accumulation, repairing water leaks and cleaning feed spills can all help reduce pest pressure.
Resistance management also plays an important role in long-term pest control success. Rotating products that utilize different modes of action and target different life stages can help maintain effectiveness over time. Larvicides, insect growth regulators and adulticides each play a role in supporting comprehensive pest management strategies.
Elanco Poultry Technical Consultants can help integrators evaluate their current pest management programs and identify strategies to help manage seasonal pest pressure more effectively.
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