Flies
Identifying Flies in Your Home or Business
General Information
Flies are normally associated with garbage and filth, as the insects always seem to be found buzzing around dumpsters and carcasses of dead animals.
Known for their ability to rapidly increasing populations, the pervasive insects have a worldwide presence and are found in any region that experiences warm temperatures.
New England is home to thousands of species of flies, several of which are nuisances in and around the home. The main fly pests found throughout New England include:
The insects primarily pester inhabitants by constantly zipping around and landing on individuals while remaining just out of reach to be swatted. In addition to being annoying, flies can affect personal health by spreading harmful bacteria and viruses.
Several of the species even inflict sharp, painful bites to victims. These unwanted guests can gain entry into the home relatively easily, but completely eliminating them can prove quite daunting.
Appearance & Identification
What Do Flies Look Like?
Flies have stout, rounded bodies, which are usually dark colored (some have shiny, metallic coloration). Size varies by species, but in general, flies measure between a quarter of an inch and half an inch long.
A set of large eyes nearly encompass the entire head and are composed of over 4,000 slightly angled lenses, which allow the insect to see the same image from various perspectives.
Though their eyes sound impressive, flies have poor eyesight. The insects primarily use their antennae, located between the eyes, to locate food.
A pair of shiny, translucent wings extends from the midsections of flies and measure about the same length as the body (hindwings reduced to tiny knobs).
Flies have three pairs of legs, which produce a glue-like substance that aids in sticking to surfaces.
Species
Habits/Habitat
Where Are Flies Found?
Flies live and breed around their food sources, which can be animal excrement, rotting carcasses, and decaying food/organic matter found in garbage receptacles. The pests remain active during the day and rest during the evening.
When in the home, flies typically cling to walls and ceilings while at rest. When active, the pests generally remain close to accessible food sources, such as fruit bowls and open trashcans.
Flies prefer warmer climates and usually die off as winter approaches and temperatures drop (unless within a heated structure).
Diet
What Do Flies Eat?
Decaying fruits and vegetables, animal excrement, and rotting carcasses provide sufficient sustenance to flies. These food sources double as shelter for larvae, which feed on their surroundings throughout their development.
Adult flies are also attracted to sugary foods, such as plant nectar and fruit juices, that provide additional nutrition. Females of biting fly species, like the black fly and horse fly, also need to consume blood in order to produce eggs.
Reproduction
Depending on the species, adult flies tend to live between one week and two months. Due to their relatively short lifespans, flies reproduce constantly during breeding seasons, which take place during the warm spring and summer months.
Female flies lay eggs in batches of hundreds at a time, and the offspring hatch in a matter of days. Eggs are laid in waste and decaying organic material, which newly hatched larvae feed on during development.
After several days of development, larvae (maggots) leave their surroundings to pupate (in soil), which can take a few days or several weeks. Flies emerge from the pupa stage as adults that are ready to begin the reproduction process.
Under optimal conditions, flies may progress through the development process in under a week. Adult flies die off before winter, but larvae overwinter inside their food-supplied shelters and emerge as adults in the following spring.
Problems Caused by Flies
As insects that thrive on waste products and decaying organic matter, flies pick up harmful bacteria, like listeria, salmonella, and E. coli, which can be transmitted to other surfaces the pests touch. Flies land frequently and may spread pathogens to various surfaces.
The pests can contaminate food by direct contact or indirectly by contaminating cooking utensils and food-prep areas. Eating contaminated food can cause individuals to develop typhoid fever, hepatitis, and dysentery.
In addition to spreading disease, certain flies inflict painful bites. Biting flies collect protein from humans by using their sharp, scissor-like mouthparts to slash skin and suck blood.
Unlike mosquito bites, fly bites themselves are painful. Afterwards, bites leave irritating welts, which may itch for several days. Individuals with allergies may experience extreme swelling and inflammation around bite sites.
How We get Rid of Flies
Flying insects are known to carry disease-causing organisms and have been implicated as vectors of Listeria, Salmonella, and E-coli.
Our Fly control Program, part of our Green Theme, eliminates flies while ensuring the safekeeping of your property. Our holistic approach balances safety and efficacy with prudent pesticide application, bioremediation, and sanitation and structural recommendations.
Fly control starts with an inspection, inside and out.
Our technicians will:
- identify the type of fly
- identify the breeding areas
- pinpoint locations of fly access to your premises
- advise you of conditions contributing to fly activity
- explain steps you can take to discourage flies
- recommend sanitation and structural changes
Our corrective action tools may include some or all of the following:
- interior and exterior residual insecticide treatment
- light traps to attract and eliminate adult fliers
- drain service and bioremediation
- fly baits
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Prevention
Keeping doors and windows closed (or properly screened) is the first step in keeping flies out of the home. Maintaining a clean, sanitary household also helps keep the insects away.
Regularly emptying waste and throwing out old foods that may be sitting out makes the home less hospitable for the pests.
If a structure becomes infested, removal can be difficult for untrained individuals, and professional pest control service is advised. Pest control professionals can provide multi-level solutions, which eliminate flies and prevent them from returning.
What you can do checklist
Outdoor fly breeding sites include:
- rubbish compactors
- dumpsters
- nearby areas of stagnant water
Indoor breeding sites include:
- floor drains
- standing organic matter
Discourage infestations by:
- keeping doors closed and screens in good repair
- practicing good housekeeping and sanitation practices
Signs of Infestation
Detecting a fly infestation is relatively easy and straightforward, as the insects do not avoid humans. Even when at rest, the insects are usually within plain sight clinging to ceilings or walls.
Most flies remain active during the day, which makes them easier to spot. A fly infestation is apparent when multiple flies are seen inside a residence at one time.
If flies seem to continually increase in numbers, they are breeding in the home.
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