Borax and boric acid for control of flies in manure
1943
Midgley, A.R. | Mueller, W.O. | Dunklee, D.E.
Borax and boric acid were tested for the control of flies in cattle manure. It was found necessary to plant a known number of fly eggs in the surface cracks of the manure samples under test to insure experimental uniformity in eggs. A pile of exposed fresh horse manure provided an ample supply of eggs. Boric acid was more effective than granular borax on the same boron basis. This is probably because the acid is more soluble. Best results were obtained when 2 1/2 to 3 pounds of boric acid per ton of manure were placed in thebottom of the cleaned barn gutter. In this position the material dissolves in the urine and thus insures better subsequent mixing with the manure. This amount of boric acid gave good fly control and at the same time the treated manure is a good source of boron for alfalfa and orchards when used at rates not exceeding 10 tons per acre. Only summer-produced manure need be treated in this way. Piled manure left during the summer is an ideal breeding ground for flies. If this manure cannot be spread, the surface should be sprayed or sprinkled with borax or boric acid in solution at the above rates.
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