Chemical-Free Fly Traps

Chemical-Free Fly Traps MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT Pest Animals 26-4-11 "They don't contain any chemicals or odors and they don't need electricity to operate," says Earle Olson of Olson Products, Inc., about his company's new "chemical-free" fly traps. Olson has been working for years on fly control projects with various federal government agencies. Here's what he came up with: • Biting Fly Trap. This trap is designed to be used around stables, barns, compost piles, and any area where biting flies are a problem. Biting flies are attracted to a special fiberglass cylinder when sunlight shines through it. Flies are caught on a clear sticky sleeve with adhesive backing that you attach to the cylinder. The cylinder measures 8 1/2 in. in diameter and is 12 in. high and is held together by four giant paper clips. It's supported by a single 18-in. long wooden stake. If you want to catch house flies, you substitute a white sleeve for the clear one. When the sleeve gets full of flies, you simply replace it with a new one. "The cylinder shape allows it to be seen from 360 degrees so flies can't miss it. Unlike dry or liquid fly bait, it won't blow or wash away. It's rain and wind-proof and will last several years. The sticky sleeves are good until they get covered with flies or other debris," says Olson. Sells for 11.95 plus S&H. A package of 10 sleeves sells for 16.95 plus S&H. • Face Fly Trap. This trap is placed where animals get feed or water. It's similar to the biting fly trap except that you use a white sticky sleeve instead of a clear one. Also, it mounts on top of an electric fence stake so it's higher off the ground. You set the stake at an angle so when sunlight bounces off the cylinder, flies think it's a giant face. "It works great in rotational grazing systems and organic farming where you don't want to use pesticides or ear tags," says Olson. Sells for $11.95 plus S&H. • Fly Traps For Windows. This indoor trap sticks to a window. You fold the trap along scored lines into three sections, then peel off the protective paper and stick one of the sections to the glass. Then fold the flap back. Flies will be caught on the flap where they're out of sight. A package of 5 traps sells for $1.25 plus S&H. • Doom Light. This trap is designed to be used inside barns and milking parlors. It uses a black light to attract flies, which, as they look for a place to land, are captured on a disposable, "sticky fly board". The 3-in. wide, 16-in. long fly board rests on a metal tray which is under the light. The light can be mounted against a wall or on a shelf. "There are no electrocuting grids so you don't have to worry about it starting a fire," says Olson. "And unlike an electrocuting grid, it won't throw out exploding bug parts that could fall into open containers. It's ideal for dairy barns and milking parlors." Sells for $89.95 plus S&H. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Olson Products, Inc., Box 1043, Medina, Ohio 44258 (ph 330 723-3210; fax 330 723-9977).

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