Just as insects can enter homes, they can enter livestock barns. Insects can be harmful for swine and can create a large loss for producers when sending the animals to the packing plants. It is never too early to start planning how to manage insects.
A new publication from the Iowa Pork Industry Center, Integrated Pest Management in Swine Production Facilities, focuses on management practices that can help producers mitigate insects. Iowa State University Extension Swine Veterinarian Chris Rademacher is one of the authors. He explained the importance of planning for these pests before they become a problem.
“Part of the motivation for putting this document together was to help producers think through a more comprehensive approach to insect pest management and how it needs to be thought about well in advance of marketing pigs,” he said.
Outside of the barns producers should focus on grass, trees, ponds and building a rock perimeter. Specific structures within the barns also can play a key role in insect attraction including light fixtures, curtains that may catch water, and sprinklers or any potential leaking water sources. It is important to understand which insects are causing issues, in order to seek professional help as needed to determine these proper mitigation responses.