FLY IDENTIFICATION & PREVENTION

What are flies?

The word “fly” can refer to a variety of winged insects. There are over 110,000 known species of flies worldwide.

A fly’s life cycle begins in the larval stage. These larvae are often known as maggots. Then, they will go into the pupal stage before emerging as adult flies. A single fly can lay approximately 500 eggs in its lifetime.

Many flies have four wings, two of which they use to fly, and two that they use for movement, rotation, and direction. The placement of their eyes also allows them to see behind themselves at all times.

While they spend most of their time in the air, they often crawl around on surfaces. The glue-like oils on their feet allow them to walk vertically and upside-down.

Flies cannot chew solid foods; instead, they regurgitate digestive fluid onto food to dissolve i. Then, they drink it through their straw-like proboscis.

While there are thousands of different fly species, house flies and fruit flies are the ones you’ll usually see in homes.

Housefly 

The housefly, or Musca domestica, is the most common fly species found in North American houses. Houseflies have red eyes, a grey body with black stripes, and translucent wings. They can live up to 30 days and are 6 to 7 millimeters long.

Fruit Fly 

Fruit flies are much smaller than houseflies, at no more than 4 millimeters long. Their bodies are usually light tan. Their eyes come in a variety of colors, ranging from red to tan and white. They can live up to 50 days.

Are flies dangerous?

Like all animals, flies play a role in our ecosystem. They mainly feed on decaying organic material or the waste of other animals. They’re also a staple of many animals’ diets, such as birds, bats, frogs, and reptiles. 

However, while they are a part of the food chain, flies can also be dangerous. Because of their unsanitary eating habits, they have frequent contact with bacteria and viruses. When flies come into your home, they can bring these diseases with them. 

The common housefly can spread a variety of diseases, including:  

• Anthrax 
• Cholera 
• Dysentery 
• Tularemia 
• Typhoid Fever 
• Yaws 

If you have a fly infestation, they can spread these viruses through your food or direct contact. Fortunately, flies are not the primary vector through which these diseases spread.

Why do I have a fly problem?

Seeing a fly in your home from time to time is to be expected. But if you’re seeing them fairly often, you might have a fly problem. 

There are a few factors that could be attracting flies to your home, such as: 

• Heaping trash cans 
• Rotting materials (such as food compost)  
• Animal waste 
• Food spills or uncovered food 
• Homes with unsanitary conditions 

Flies get in through openings in your windows, especially if they lack screens. They can also enter through doorways when you come in and out of the house.

Where will I find flies?

If you have a fly problem, you often find these pests in various places throughout your home. 

However, the most common places to find flies are in the following areas: 

• Compost heaps 
• Areas with pet waste (such as litter boxes) 
• Gardens 
• Garbage bins 
• Kitchens, especially if you leave food sitting out

When checking for flies in your home, make sure you know how to identify them in both adult and immature stages.

How do I get rid of flies?

If you believe your home has a fly problem, your best option is to contact a dependable pest company. Our team of experts has the experience, knowledge, and tools to eliminate your pest problem before it gets out of control. 

Phenom Pest Protection is a family-owned business that’s committed to providing phenomenal service and results. We offer specialized treatment to suit your property’s needs and get to the root of your pest problem. 

To learn more about our services and how we can eliminate your fly infestation, give us a call today!

How can I prevent flies in the future?

In addition to our home pest control and commercial pest control services, protect your property from pests with the following prevention tips:

Exterior tips

• Clean up pet waste as soon as possible. 
• Empty your trash bins regularly and make sure they have a secure lid. 
• Check your garden for rotting or fallen fruits and vegetables, and dispose of them immediately. 
• Install mesh windows on your windows and doors. Replace any damaged mesh.

Interior tips

• Keep your food in tightly sealed containers.
• Clean your home regularly. 
• Take out your garbage every day and keep your kitchen clean. 
• Keep plenty of fly traps and swatters in your home.

Matt B.

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