Fly Lights in Agriculture: Enhancing Biosecurity and Fly Control with Next-Generation UV Technology

Insects like house flies, stable flies, and midges are more than a nuisance on farms—they’re a threat to animal welfare, feed efficiency, and overall productivity. Fly lights have become a critical tool in integrated pest management (IPM), helping producers reduce insect populations in and around barns, poultry houses, swine facilities, and feedlots.

Among the available fly light options, UV-A lighting technology continues to evolve, offering cleaner, safer, and more energy-efficient ways to neutralize flying pests. The upcoming Astron 15R LED II is the next leap forward in this space, engineered specifically for agriculture.

Why UV Fly Lights Matter in Farm Environments

UV-A light draws in flying insects, disrupting reproduction cycles and reducing the number of disease-carrying adults in barns and housing. These pests contribute to:

• Reduced feed intake and efficiency
• Lower milk yield and weight gain
• Increased disease transmission risk
• Elevated animal stress and production losses

A University of Minnesota study found that stable flies alone can reduce milk production in dairy cattle by 20–25%, costing the industry over $2 billion annually. Similar impacts are reported in poultry, swine, and equine sectors.

Astron 15R LED II: The Future of UV Fly Light Technology

Coming soon, the Astron 15R LED II is built to be a high-performance replacement for traditional 15W fluorescent UV lamps, offering key advantages for modern farm environments:

• 9W Power Draw
  Cuts energy consumption by more than 50%.
• Universal Compatibility
  Operates with LED fixtures, magnetic ballast systems, or standalone (no ballast).
• Flexible Circuit Functionality
  Suitable for single-lamp or serial two-lamp setups while maintaining uniform UV output.
• 360° Adjustable Lamp Holders
  24 locking positions allow directional precision across diverse barn configurations.
• Long-Life Operation
  Rated for 25,000 hours (approx. 3 years of use), reducing maintenance and downtime.
• Shatterproof, Mercury-Free Design
  TÜV-certified for safe use in biosecure environments where broken glass or mercury exposure is unacceptable.
• Synergetic Coating on the Bulb
  Featuring Omniveo UV technology for enhanced fly attraction and Xtrap efficiency—maximizing brightness, durability, and fly kill rate.

Integrated Fly Control Strategies for Maximum Effectiveness

UV fly lights are a cornerstone of IPM, but their success improves when combined with other targeted strategies:

1. Trap Systems

• HTRAP units are highly effective for controlling deer and horse flies when deployed early in the season.

2. Baits

• Products that offer fast-acting knockdown of common house flies around feed bunks and entry points.

3. Targeted Chemical Applications

• Permethrin or pyrethrin-based sprays such as ProZap Annihilator XP can be used on livestock or around resting and feeding zones to disrupt fly breeding.

4. Composting and Manure Management

• Reducing breeding grounds through proper waste handling remains one of the most effective long-term strategies.

5. UV + IPM Synergy

• The Astron 15R LED II seamlessly integrates into a broader fly control program—providing an energy-efficient, non-chemical solution that complements physical, chemical, and biological methods.

Why This Matters for Producers

With increased pressure to meet food safety, sustainability, and antibiotic-free production goals, smarter tools like the Astron 15R LED II help operations:

• Enhance animal health and performance
• Reduce chemical usage
• Support biosecurity and environmental stewardship

Coming Soon

The Astron 15R LED II is slated for release in late fall 2025 or early 2026. Stay tuned for updates on availability and how this innovative technology can become part of your farm’s fly control toolkit.

For more information, or to discuss how UV lighting fits into your pest management strategy, contact your local distributor or technical support representative.

Reference Study:
University of Minnesota – Effects of Flies on Dairy Cow Performance
View Study ➝