Flies

Bottle Flies

Color: Head and thorax are dull gray and the abdomen is bright metallic blue or green with black markings

Shape: Small oval

Size: 1/5- 1/3 inch, slightly larger than a housefly

Region: Found throughout the U.S.

Habits

Most species develop in meat or animal carcasses, but if these are not available they will use animal excrement, decaying vegetation and/or garbage.

Threats

These flies have been known to carry numerous disease-causing germs and their ability to cause myiasis in humans and animals.

Prevention

Remove trash regularly and use well-sealing garbage receptacles. Clean up pet waste immediately. Use fine mesh screens on doors and windows to prevent fly entry. Remove any decaying animal carcasses.

Drain Flies

Color: Light gray or tan body and lighter-colored wings

Shape: Small oval

Size: About 1/8-inch

Region: Found throughout the U.S.

Habits

In homes, adults are found on bathroom, kitchen or basement walls. More active at night, drain flies do not bite and, surprisingly, do not transmit human diseases. Drain flies feed on organic matter and sewage.

Threats

The greatest threat that drain flies pose to humans is the risk of being inhaled. Unlike other flies that are large enough to be avoided, the drain fly is smaller in comparison. Most people are not affected by the inhalation, but asthmatics may be prone to issues. The drain flies can carry diseases and, once inhaled into already sensitive lungs, they can cause even more problems.

Prevention

The best way to control drain flies is to control adult populations and to keep the drains clean using periodic cleaning. A pest management professional can use an enzyme to break down the film that is hospitable to drain flies.

Fruit Flies

Color: Tan/ light abdomen

Shape: Small oval

Size: 1/8 of an inch

Region: Found throughout U.S.

Habits

Fruit flies feed on decaying matter, especially fruits and vegetables. They are found on moist, decaying matter that has been sitting for several days. Other fermenting items can harbor fruit flies as well.

Threats

Fruit flies are found in unsanitary conditions, so they are a potential health concern, especially when present in health facilities.

Prevention

Fruit flies are best prevented through vigilant sanitation practices. To exercise proper fruit fly management, remove kitchen trash daily and keep counter surfaces clean.

House Flies

Color: Dark gray

Shape: Small oval

Size: 1/4 of an inch

Region: Found throughout U.S.

Habits

House flies are only able to feed on liquids but have the ability to turn many solid foods into a liquid for them to eat. House flies taste with their feet, which are 10 million times more sensitive to sugar than the human tongue.

Threats

These insects have been known to carry over 100 different kinds of disease-causing germs, which makes them very bad house guests

Prevention

House fly control requires a commitment to vigilant sanitation. Remove trash regularly and use well-sealing garbage receptacles to get rid of house flies around waste bins. Clean up pet waste immediately. Use fine mesh screens on doors and windows to prevent fly entry.

Phorid Flies

Color: Black, brown, or yellowish

Shape: Hump-shaped thorax

Size: About 1/8 inch

Region: Found throughout U.S.

Habits

Adults can often be found on flowers or on larval food materials, which consist of moist decaying organic matter. Because they frequent such unsanitary places, they may transport various disease-causing organisms to food materials. Adults have a peculiar habit of rapidly running across windows, TV screens, tables, walls and plant foliage.

Threats

Phorid flies can occur in large numbers and become a significant nuisance. They can potentially transmit disease organisms because they visit rotting foods and generally unclean areas. They can be particularly troublesome in hospital setting.

Prevention

The best way to control phorid flies is to control adults and to keep the drains clean using periodic cleaning. A pest management professional can use an enzyme to break down the film that is hospitable to phorid flies.

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