Biosecurity Checklist for Spring
Spring brings warmer temperatures and the reemergence of pests and diseases, making it essential to reinforce farm biosecurity. Here are five key steps to protect your livestock and facilities:
- Control Rodent Populations
- Remove any harvested grain outside buildings and eliminate wood piles.
- Pre-bait rodent control areas before structures collapse due to melting snow.
- Regularly monitor and refresh bait stations to deter infestations.
- Manage Fly Populations Early
- Begin fly control measures before peak temperatures hit, as flies thrive in warmer conditions.
- Utilize fly traps such as H-Trap systems to reduce breeding grounds.
- Limit Contact with Wild Birds
- Prevent migratory birds from nesting near barns, as they can carry avian influenza.
- Install netting or deterrents to keep them away from feed and water sources.
- Control Vehicular Traffic
- Restrict entry points and ensure all vehicles are disinfected upon entry and exit.
- Keep employee parking outside biosecure zones to minimize contamination risks.
- Enhance Sanitation and Cleanliness
- Regularly disinfect equipment, tools, and clothing used in pig barns.
- Ensure footbaths and dedicated farm boots are properly maintained for all personnel.
Key Hot Tip: H-Trap – The Smart Solution for Horse Fly Control
Spring biosecurity isn’t just about traditional pest control measures—new innovations are making farm protection easier and more effective than ever. One of the biggest challenges in warm-weather livestock management is controlling horse flies, which not only stress animals but can also contribute to the spread of disease. Enter the H-Trap Professional Horse Fly Control System, a cutting-edge solution that helps mitigate fly populations without chemicals or complex maintenance.
The Science Behind the H-Trap System
Extensive research, including studies conducted in southern France, has demonstrated that horse flies (Tabanidae family) pose a significant threat to livestock health and farm productivity. These biting insects can transmit diseases, cause stress in animals, and lead to indirect losses such as reduced weight gain and lower milk production.
The H-Trap provides a sustainable, chemical-free solution by leveraging horse flies’ natural behavior to significantly reduce their population. Instead of relying on pesticides, the H-Trap uses a heat-attractant mechanism to mimic an animal host, effectively drawing in female horse flies—the primary cause of infestations.
How It Works
- The H-Trap features a black inflatable ball that absorbs sunlight and emits heat, simulating the body temperature of a large animal.
- Female horse flies, seeking a blood meal, mistake the ball for an animal and attempt to land on it.
- Upon landing, the flies instinctively fly upwards into a funnel-shaped collection bin equipped with a UV-resistant plastic trap.
- Once trapped, the flies cannot escape, breaking their breeding cycle and significantly reducing populations over time.
Research Findings on H-Trap Effectiveness
- A 2019 study in France monitored the effectiveness of the H-Trap on a farm in Montélimar, capturing over 54,600 horse flies across 21 weeks.
- The study revealed two peak activity periods, late May and late August, with some traps catching over 11,000 flies in a single week.
- Researchers found that the H-Trap outperformed other trapping methods (e.g., Nzi trap, Vavoua trap), proving to be the most effective in capturing horse flies while minimizing non-target insect captures.
- The H-Trap was particularly effective against the Haematopota italica species, which made up 61% of the total captures.
Key Benefits of the H-Trap System
✔ Chemical-Free & Environmentally Friendly – No pesticides or electricity required, making it a sustainable choice.
✔ Durable & Weather-Resistant – Constructed with corrosion-proof steel and UV-resistant plastic to withstand harsh environments.
✔ Highly Effective – Proven to significantly reduce horse fly populations within a 2.5-acre radius.
✔ Versatile Application – Suitable for various settings, including livestock barns, horse paddocks, golf courses, and recreational areas.
✔ Field-Tested & Proven – Backed by scientific studies and positive user testimonials.
Why Every Livestock Producer Should Consider H-Trap
Research suggests that horse fly infestations not only cause distress and blood loss in livestock, but also serve as vectors for serious diseases, including equine infectious anemia and trypanosomiasis. The H-Trap provides a proactive approach to biosecurity, reducing fly stress and improving animal well-being without the downsides of chemical pesticides.
Maximizing Efficiency
- Install multiple traps in high-risk areas, especially near pastures, water sources, and wooded regions where horse flies breed.
- Deploy traps before peak season (early spring) to disrupt breeding cycles and maintain long-term population control.
- Conduct weekly trap inspections and clear collected flies to ensure continued effectiveness.
By integrating the H-Trap into your farm’s biosecurity strategy, producers can prevent fly-borne diseases, improve livestock comfort, and enhance farm productivity.
Research Studies on H-Trap Effectiveness
Below are two key research studies on the H-Trap Professional Horse Fly Control System, detailing its effectiveness in reducing horse fly populations and improving livestock biosecurity.
📄 Study 1: H-Trap Tests in France (2019)
- Summary: This study analyzed the seasonal abundance of horse flies (Tabanidae) on a farm in southern France, confirming the H-Trap’s superior efficiency compared to other trapping methods.
- Findings: The H-Trap captured over 54,600 horse flies in 21 weeks, with two peak seasons in late May and late August.
🔗 Download Study
📄 Study 2: H-Trap Research Article & Information
- Summary: A comprehensive overview of the H-Trap’s design, methodology, and effectiveness in controlling horse fly populations without chemicals.
- Findings: The H-Trap significantly reduced Haematopota italica populations (61% of captures) while minimizing non-target insect collection.
🔗 Download Study
🔗 Learn more about the H-Trap at: H-Trap Official Website
Contact Us:
- Address: 201-1200 Sherwin Road, Winnipeg, MB R3H 0K4
- Hours: Open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Phone: (204) 925-7939
- Email: viceroy@viceroydistributors.ca
- Website: CleanHomeSupplies.ca
Stay tuned for more articles on pest control and biosecurity strategies that benefit Canadian farmers.
