Fly Identification Enable Correct Control Methods

The kind of flies you find in your home or business will determine the methods used to remove them and prevent them. To have an effective plan in place you should get familiar with the types of flies you see in your home or office. Different flies will choose different environments in which to breed and locate food. If you can figure this out you can remove these sources to eliminate the pests you’re dealing with.

Common Flies Found in Homes & Businesses

Common houseflies- These are the most common pests to plague our homes. They can spread bacteria, viruses and fungi from one surface to the next that can lead to a number of diseases. They do this by vomiting as they eat. House flies are identified by four stripes that run lengthwise along the thorax. These flies will eat anything humans eat, while the larvae would rather eat excrement.

Fruit flies- These flies are named fruit flies because they lay their eggs around rotting fruits and vegetables. They can be found near floor drains and trash cans. Any areas were organic materials are rotting can have fruit flies present. They are 1/8 of an inch in size. Fruit flies can also be called vinegar flies and can be found in bars because of the alcohol bottles and garnish stations.

Drain flies- These flies look a lot like moths and are also called moth flies. They have long, fluffy hairs and will breed in areas where raw sewage is present. Drain flies would rather crawl than fly. They can be found in areas where there are leaks or standing water like drains, broken pipes or roof gutters. Eliminating leaks will keep them away.

Gnats- House and office plants make great homes for gnats. They will lay eggs in the soil and will feed on plants, other insects and blood. These tiny winged insects are not babies, they are adults. They can be a nuisance and can damage the roots of plants if their numbers get large. If you notice gnats flying around, you may have an infestation.

Blow flies- These flies are also called bottle flies. They will lay their eggs in rotting material. Gnats have shiny bodies that look metallic and will feed on anything humans consider filthy, including animal waste. They can find food from a mile away, so sanitation is important.

Phorid flies- These are the flies commonly found in hospitals or restaurants. They will breed anywhere decaying organic material can be found like backed-up drains, under kitchen appliances, the bottom of the garbage can, plants that are overwatered and dirty mop heads. They have a humped back and are ¼ inch in size. The way they behave will make it easy to tell them apart from fruit flies. Phorid flies will run along the surface of items they’ve landed on, fruit flies will not.

Fly Control

If you are having a difficult time determining the flies that you’re dealing with, contact the professionals at Eagle Pest Services for help. We have a great understanding of the methods used to deal with certain flies. Give us a call to keep you home free of flies and other pests!