Summer in Gresham and the surrounding areas means more time outside for you and your animals, but it also means more flies. These pests are more than just irritating. They can spread disease, bother animals, and make barn life uncomfortable.

The best way to control flies is to use a mix of methods. Start with good sanitation, then add sprays or baits, feed-through supplements, and traps or other tools. At Burns Feed Store in Gresham, Oregon, we have everything you need to keep your barn, horses, and livestock more comfortable this summer.

1. Start with Cleanliness

A clean barn is your best defense. Flies lay eggs in manure and damp areas, so keeping things clean helps break their life cycle.

• Clean stalls and pens at least once a week, more often if possible

• Spread or compost manure so it dries quickly and kills eggs

• Fix wet spots around pens and feed areas

• Store feed in sealed containers and clean up spills quickly

• Keep hay off the ground to prevent moisture buildup

At Burns Feed Store in Gresham: We carry shavings, bedding, and tools that make manure removal faster and easier, plus secure feed storage bins to help keep grain dry and pest-free.

2. Knock Down Adult Flies

Even with good cleaning, some flies will remain. Sprays and baits can help control them.

• Fly sprays for horses and livestock keep flies off animals and out of the barn

• Premise sprays create a protective barrier around doors, windows, and walls

• Fly baits can be placed in areas where flies gather but should be kept out of reach of animals

• Larvicides can be applied to manure piles where frequent cleaning is not possible

In store now at Burns Feed Store Gresham: Bronco E Fly Spray, Endure Sweat-Resistant Fly Spray, Tri-Tec 14 Fly Repellent, premise sprays, and a variety of fly baits to target problem areas.

3. Try Feed-Through Fly Control

Feed-through products work from the inside out. Animals eat a supplement with an insect growth regulator (IGR) like Clarifly. It passes through in their manure and keeps fly larvae from developing.

• Easy to use, just add to daily feed or offer as a mineral block

• Safe for cattle and horses and works against stable flies, horn flies, and house flies

Available at Burns Feed Store in Gresham: Sweetlix Block with Clarifly for both cattle and horses, plus other feed-through options to suit your operation.

4. Use Traps, Fly Parasites, and Other Tools

Adding extra tools can make your fly control program even more effective.

• Fly traps such as sticky traps, baited traps, or fly paper help pull flies away from animals. We carry a variety of fly traps in stock at Burns Feed Store in Gresham, perfect for barns, stables, and outdoor areas.

• Fly parasites are tiny, non-stinging wasps that naturally attack fly larvae and help reduce populations over time

• Fans in milking parlors, tack rooms, or feed areas make it hard for flies to land

• Natural repellents like neem or citronella oil can help with sensitive animals or as a chemical-free option in certain areas

Your Summer Fly Control Plan

The most effective fly control combines cleaning, spraying or baiting, feed-through products, and extra tools like traps, fly parasites, and fans.

If you are looking for fly traps in Gresham, fly spray near you, or Clarifly for horses or cattle in the Portland metro area, stop by Burns Feed Store. Our knowledgeable staff will help you choose the right products for your animals and property so you can enjoy a more comfortable, fly-free summer.