How Many Different Species of Flies Are There?

Are you curious about the buzzing world around you and wondering, How Many Different Species Of Flies Are There? Flyermedia.net explores the fascinating diversity of flies, from common household pests to those with unique ecological roles. Discover the vast number of fly species and understand their impact on our environment. For more insights into the aerial world, including aviation news and pilot training, explore flyermedia.net and broaden your understanding of the skies. Delve into the world of Diptera, explore fly identification, and uncover diverse breeding habits.

1. The Astonishing Number of Fly Species Worldwide

How many different species of flies are there roaming our planet? Currently, scientists have identified over 120,000 different species of flies worldwide, but the actual number is likely much higher. This is because many fly species remain undiscovered or undescribed. Flies belong to various families and genera, with some sharing similar behaviors like blood-feeding or breeding in decaying matter. The sheer number highlights the incredible adaptability and ecological significance of these often-overlooked insects.

1.1 Why Is Understanding Fly Diversity Important?

Understanding the diversity of fly species is important for several reasons:

• Public Health: Flies can transmit diseases like malaria, salmonella, and tuberculosis. Identifying specific species helps target control efforts.
• Ecological Roles: Flies play crucial roles in pollination, decomposition, and nutrient cycling. Knowing which species contribute to these processes is essential.
• Pest Management: Effective pest control requires understanding the habits and behaviors of different fly species to implement appropriate strategies.
• Agricultural Impact: Certain fly species can be agricultural pests, damaging crops and impacting yields. Identifying these species helps develop targeted pest management plans.
• Forensic Entomology: Flies are crucial in forensic investigations, as their life cycle stages on corpses can help estimate the time of death.

1.2 What Makes Flies So Diverse?

Flies, belonging to the order Diptera, are incredibly diverse due to their:

• Adaptability: Flies can thrive in diverse environments, from deserts to rainforests.
• Rapid Reproduction: Their short lifecycles and high reproductive rates allow for rapid evolution and adaptation.
• Dietary Versatility: Flies exploit various food sources, from nectar to decaying matter.
• Flight Capability: Flight enables them to disperse widely and colonize new habitats.

2. Filth Flies: A Close Look at Unsanitary Species

What are filth flies and why are they a concern? Filth flies are a group of fly species that breed and feed on decaying organic matter, posing a serious health risk to humans. These flies, including house flies, drain flies, and blow flies, do not feed on blood but rather on unsanitary substances like trash, feces, and rotting food. They lay their eggs in these materials, which hatch into maggots that feed on the same waste.

2.1 How Do Filth Flies Transmit Diseases?

Filth flies can transmit over 100 different diseases to humans through:

• Contact with Contaminated Material: Flies pick up pathogens from decaying matter.
• Landing on Food: They transfer pathogens to food and surfaces.
• Mechanical Transmission: Pathogens cling to their bodies and legs.
• Fecal Contamination: Flies defecate on surfaces, contaminating them with pathogens.

2.2 What Are Common Types of Filth Flies?

Some common types of filth flies include:

• House Flies (Musca domestica): These are among the most common types of flies found worldwide, known for transmitting diseases through contact with infected materials.
• Drain Flies (Psychodidae): Often found in sewage beds, their larvae feed on organic matter in drains.
• Blow Flies (Calliphoridae): Attracted to decaying food and animal carcasses, they can carry diseases such as typhoid and E. coli.
• Phorid Flies (Phoridae): Also known as humpbacked flies, they are found in areas with moisture, such as bathrooms and drains.

House Fly

2.3 What Measures Can Control Filth Fly Populations?

Effective control measures include:

• Proper Sanitation: Eliminating breeding and feeding sources is crucial.
• Waste Management: Ensuring proper disposal of garbage and organic waste.
• Fly Traps: Using traps to capture and kill flies.
• Insecticides: Applying insecticides to control fly populations.

3. House Flies: Understanding the Common Pest

What makes house flies so common and why are they a concern? House flies (Musca domestica) are one of the most common types of flies found in and around homes worldwide due to their ability to breed in moist decaying organic matter and their rapid reproduction rate. Adult house flies are gray with four black stripes on their thorax, measuring about 1/8-1/4 inches long, and have compound red eyes that provide wider vision. They feed on a wide range of substances, particularly human food, animal carcasses, garbage, and pet waste.

3.1 How Do House Flies Transmit Diseases?

House flies do not bite humans or animals, but their contact with infected materials makes them a major carrier of disease. They can transfer more than 100 different pathogens, including:

• Salmonellosis: A bacterial infection that causes diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
• E. coli: A bacteria that can cause severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting.
• Typhoid: A bacterial infection that can cause high fever, headache, and abdominal pain.
• Tuberculosis: A bacterial infection that typically affects the lungs but can spread to other parts of the body.

3.2 What Is the Life Cycle of a House Fly?

The life cycle of a house fly consists of four stages:

1. Egg: House flies lay eggs in batches of 120-200, which typically hatch in 8-72 hours.
2. Larva (Maggot): Maggots are cream-colored with a greasy appearance and feed on resources around where the eggs hatched, maturing in 3-60 days.
3. Pupa: Maggots seek out a dark, dry, and cool environment to pupate in, developing legs and wings over the next 3-28 days.
4. Adult: Mature flies emerge and are capable of producing between 350-900 eggs in their lifetime, typically living 15-25 days.

House Fly Lifecycle

3.3 How Can House Fly Infestations Be Managed?

Managing house fly infestations involves several strategies:

• Sanitation: Keeping the environment clean and free of decaying organic matter.
• Fly Traps: Using traps to capture and kill adult flies.
• Insecticides: Applying insecticides to control fly populations.
• Exclusion: Sealing access points to prevent flies from entering buildings.

4. Little House Flies: A Smaller but Similar Pest

What are little house flies and why are they a nuisance? Little house flies (Fannia cannicularis) are a type of fly that is smaller than the common house fly but similar in appearance, often found indoors, flying for long periods without resting. They lay their eggs in rotting or decaying organic matter, such as animal carcasses, animal feces, and garbage, particularly in areas where poultry and livestock are raised.

4.1 How Long Does the Life Cycle of Little House Flies Take?

The life cycle of these flies typically takes about 24 days, making it important to control their presence, especially in areas where food is prepared or consumed, as they can carry harmful bacteria and other pathogens that can cause illness.

4.2 What Control Measures Are Effective Against Little House Flies?

Effective control measures include:

• Sanitation: Eliminating breeding sites, such as decaying organic matter.
• Fly Traps: Using traps to capture and kill adult flies.
• Insecticides: Applying insecticides to control fly populations.
• Waste Management: Ensuring proper disposal of animal waste and garbage.

5. Fruit Flies: Targeting Ripening Produce

What are fruit flies and how do they infest homes? Fruit flies, also known as vinegar flies, are a common household pest found throughout the United States, attracted to ripening or fermenting fruits and vegetables. These small flies are drawn to the odors emitted by overripe produce, making kitchens and pantries prime targets for infestation.

5.1 What Attracts Fruit Flies?

Fruit flies are primarily attracted to:

• Overripe Fruits and Vegetables: Decaying produce emits odors that attract fruit flies.
• Fermented Beverages: Spilled beer, wine, or juice can attract fruit flies.
• Garbage: Decaying organic matter in garbage cans serves as a breeding ground.
• Drains: Organic buildup in drains provides a food source for fruit fly larvae.

5.2 How Can Fruit Fly Infestations Be Prevented?

Preventing fruit fly infestations involves:

• Proper Storage: Storing fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator or sealed containers.
• Regular Cleaning: Cleaning up spills and crumbs promptly.
• Garbage Management: Taking out the trash regularly and using trash cans with tight-fitting lids.
• Drain Cleaning: Cleaning drains regularly to remove organic buildup.

5.3 How Can Fruit Flies Be Trapped?

A simple DIY fruit fly trap can be made using:

• Jar with Vinegar: Fill a jar with apple cider vinegar and add a few drops of dish soap.
• Paper Cone: Place a paper cone with a small opening at the top into the jar.
• Attraction: The vinegar attracts the flies, and the soap breaks the surface tension, causing them to drown.

Fruit Fly Trap

6. Bluebottle Flies: Scavengers in Urban Environments

What are bluebottle flies and why are they attracted to homes? Bluebottle flies, also known as blow flies, are metallic blue in color and are attracted to decaying food, dead animals, and pet feces, which are common in urban environments. These flies can carry various diseases, such as typhoid, tuberculosis, and E. coli.

6.1 What Is the Life Cycle of a Bluebottle Fly?

The life cycle of a bluebottle fly is relatively short:

• Eggs: Hatch in less than 18 hours.
• Larvae: The larval stage lasts 2-3 days.
• Pupae: The pupae stage lasts around two weeks.
• Adults: Reach maturity in about 2 ½ weeks and start breeding, mostly in organic proteins like decaying meat.

6.2 How Can Bluebottle Flies Be Controlled?

Controlling bluebottle flies involves:

• Sanitation: Removing decaying food, dead animals, and pet feces.
• Sealing Entry Points: Sealing cracks and crevices to prevent flies from entering buildings.
• Fly Traps: Using traps to capture and kill adult flies.
• Insecticides: Applying insecticides to control fly populations.

7. Cluster Flies: Overwintering Pests

What are cluster flies and why do they congregate in homes? Cluster flies, also known as attic flies, are distinguishable by their dark grey-olive thorax and are a type of blow fly that congregates in large numbers and hibernates during the cold winter months. They lay eggs in the soil in late summer or early autumn, with the larvae burrowing into the ground in search of an earthworm to eat until they are ready to pupate.

7.1 Why Do Cluster Flies Enter Homes?

During the cool season, cluster flies remain inactive and find places inside to rest, such as cavities behind walls. They do not feed or reproduce within buildings, and those that move out from their sheltered hiding place usually die within a couple of weeks.

7.2 How Can Cluster Fly Infestations Be Prevented?

Preventing cluster fly infestations involves:

• Sealing Entry Points: Sealing cracks and crevices around windows, under soffits, and around ventilation openings.
• Exclusion Techniques: Ensuring tight-fitting screens on doors and windows.
• Insecticides: Applying insecticides to control fly populations outside the home before they enter for the winter.

Cluster Flies

8. Drain Flies: Breeding in Sewage Beds

What are drain flies and why are they found in bathrooms? Drain flies, also known as sewage flies or moth flies, are persistent insects commonly associated with sewage beds where their larvae feed on organic matter. They have a tan-colored body that appears grey and wings that hold a tent-like shape over the body when at rest.

8.1 Where Do Drain Flies Breed?

Drain flies mate and lay their eggs in or around moisture or standing water. The eggs hatch, and the larvae develop in muck or gelatinous material that accumulates in:

• Sewage Disposal Beds
• Septic Tanks
• Moist Compost
• Dirty Garbage Containers

They may also emerge from sinks, bathtubs, tree holes, rain barrels, moist organic solids, or bird nests that have accumulations of fecal material.

8.2 How Can Drain Flies Be Controlled?

Controlling drain flies involves:

• Cleaning Drains: Scraping the slime or lodged food waste off with a bristled brush.
• Drain Cleaners: Using drain cleaners designed to eliminate buildups and kill drain flies.
• Moisture Control: Drying out moisture sources, such as leaks in plumbing.
• Sanitation: Keeping the environment clean and free of organic matter.

9. Fungus Gnats: Infesting Houseplant Soil

What are fungus gnats and why are they a nuisance in homes? Fungus gnats are small, dark flies that are commonly found indoors infesting potting mixes used for houseplants, thriving in environments with high organic matter and overwatering. They are also known to breed in mushrooms and other decaying plant materials outdoors.

9.1 How Do Fungus Gnats Infest Homes?

Fungus gnats infest homes through:

• Contaminated Potting Soil: Bringing in plants with infested soil.
• Open Windows and Doors: Entering homes from outdoors.
• Decaying Plant Material: Breeding in decaying plant material indoors.

9.2 How Can Fungus Gnats Be Controlled?

Controlling fungus gnats involves:

• Reducing Watering: Allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
• Removing Decaying Plant Material: Eliminating sources of breeding.
• Insecticides: Using insecticides labeled for use on fungus gnats.
• Sticky Traps: Using sticky traps to capture adult gnats.

10. Picture Wing Flies: Temporary Annoyances

What are picture wing flies and why are they found around windows? The Picture Wing Fly (Ceroxys latiusculus) is a fly with a distinctive dark band pattern on its wings that is about the size of a house fly, often found around windows at the start of autumn. These flies normally do not survive for long indoors, and those that do enter usually die by the end of November.

10.1 Where Do Picture Wing Flies Develop?

Picture wing fly larvae develop inside the stems of plants in the aster and sunflower family.

10.2 How Can Picture Wing Flies Be Controlled?

While they do not cause any significant harm to humans or animals, picture wing flies can be a nuisance when they enter homes in large numbers. Control measures include:

• Sealing Entry Points: Sealing cracks and crevices around windows and doors.
• Screening: Ensuring tight-fitting screens on windows and doors.
• Vacuuming: Vacuuming up flies as they appear.

11. Flesh Flies: Laying Eggs in Decaying Matter

What are flesh flies and why are they found near decaying wastes? Flesh flies, members of the Sarcophagidae family, are named for their tendency to lay their eggs in decaying meat or flesh, found in urban and suburban areas but rarely seen in houses or restaurants. They are similar in appearance to house flies but are slightly larger, with light grey thoraxes marked by three dark stripes and spotted abdomens giving a checkerboard appearance.

11.1 What Is the Life Cycle of a Flesh Fly?

The lifecycle of flesh flies starts with the larvae, which feed for 3-14 days before moving to drier areas to pupate. They emerge as adults 10-15 days later.

11.2 How Can Flesh Flies Be Controlled?

Controlling flesh flies involves:

• Sanitation: Removing decaying wastes, excrement, and human foods.
• Fly Traps: Using traps to capture and kill adult flies.
• Insecticides: Applying insecticides to control fly populations.

12. Phorid Flies: Humpbacked Flies in Moist Areas

What are phorid flies and why are they found in bathrooms and kitchens? Phorid flies are also known as humpbacked flies due to their distinctive hump on their thorax, commonly found in areas where moisture is present, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and drains. These small flies are often mistaken for fruit flies and can cause clogged drains and damaged sewer lines, similar to drain flies.

12.1 How Do Phorid Flies Breed?

The female phorid fly can lay up to 40 eggs in just 12 hours, and the larvae will feed on decaying plant and animal matter for several days before pupating. The adult fly can survive for 1-2 months.

12.2 How Can Phorid Flies Be Controlled?

Controlling phorid flies involves:

• Moisture Control: Addressing moisture issues in bathrooms, kitchens, and drains.
• Drain Cleaning: Cleaning drains to remove organic buildup.
• Sanitation: Removing decaying plant and animal matter.
• Insecticides: Applying insecticides to control fly populations.

13. False Stable Flies: Disease Spreaders

What are false stable flies and why are they a concern? The false stable fly (Muscina stabulans) is a type of fly that is bigger than the common house fly, generally appearing dark gray without any sharp distinguishing features, and can spread disease. Unlike the true stable fly, the false stable fly does not need to bite. These flies lay their eggs on slightly spoiled food, animal excrement, and decaying vegetable matter.

13.1 Where Do False Stable Flies Breed?

They can be found in both urban and suburban areas and may enter homes in search of food or shelter.

13.2 How Can False Stable Flies Be Controlled?

Controlling false stable flies involves:

• Sanitation: Proper sanitation and waste management to control populations.
• Eliminating Breeding Sites: Identifying and eliminating potential breeding sites, such as spoiled food or animal feces.
• Fly Traps: Using traps to capture and kill adult flies.
• Insecticides: Applying insecticides to control fly populations.

14. Biting Flies: Blood-Feeding Species

What are biting flies and why are they a concern? Biting flies are various species of flies that feed on blood, with some species having only females feed on blood, while in others, both males and females do. These flies can transmit diseases such as West Nile virus, malaria, and Lyme disease.

14.1 What Are Common Types of Biting Flies?

Some of the most common biting flies include:

• Mosquitoes (Culicidae)
• Horse Flies (Tabanidae)
• Black Flies (Simuliidae)
• Sand Flies (Phlebotominae)
• Deer Flies (Chrysops)
• Stable Flies (Stomoxys calcitrans)

14.2 How Can Bites from Biting Flies Be Prevented?

To prevent bites from these flies, it is recommended to:

• Wear Long-Sleeved Shirts and Pants: Covering skin to prevent bites.
• Use Insect Repellent: Applying insect repellent containing DEET.
• Avoid Peak Activity Times: Avoiding areas where these flies are most prevalent during warm and humid daytime hours.
• Eliminate Standing Water: Removing standing water near homes to reduce breeding grounds.

15. Mosquitoes: Disease-Transmitting Flies

What are mosquitoes and why are they a major public health concern? Mosquitoes are flies belonging to the order Diptera, known for their long, thin proboscis used to suck blood from their hosts, transmitting diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus. Despite belonging to the same order, mosquitoes and house flies have different physical characteristics and behaviors.

15.1 How Do Mosquitoes Transmit Diseases?

Mosquitoes transmit diseases through their bite, injecting pathogens into the host’s bloodstream.

15.2 How Can Mosquito Populations Be Controlled?

Controlling mosquito populations involves:

• Eliminating Standing Water: Removing breeding sites.
• Using Mosquito Repellents: Applying repellents containing DEET.
• Mosquito Traps: Using traps to capture and kill mosquitoes.
• Larvicides: Applying larvicides to kill mosquito larvae in water.

16. Horse Flies: Painful Biters

What are horse flies and why are their bites so painful? Horse flies, also known as tabanids, are notorious pests of horses and other mammals, found in both suburban and rural areas near bodies of water where mammal hosts are most abundant. Female horse flies feed on blood aggressively, while males feed on pollen and plant nectars.

16.1 Why Are Horse Fly Bites Painful?

Female horse flies require a blood meal before they can reproduce, and their bites can be painful because their mouthparts are used for tearing and lapping up blood, rather than just sucking like mosquitoes.

16.2 How Can Horse Fly Bites Be Prevented?

Preventing horse fly bites involves:

• Wearing Protective Clothing: Covering skin to prevent bites.
• Using Insect Repellent: Applying insect repellent containing DEET.
• Avoiding Peak Activity Times: Avoiding areas where horse flies are most active on windless, hot, and sunny days.

17. Deer Flies: Persistent Bloodsuckers

What are deer flies and why are they a nuisance during outdoor activities? Deer flies are blood-sucking insects that prefer to feed on wildlife and livestock but will bite humans too, typically found near aquatic habitats that support larval development, such as creeks, streams, and tanks. A few bites from a few of these persistent flies can make any outdoor or recreation activity or chore miserable.

17.1 What Happens When Deer Flies Bite?

Female deer flies bite people as well, resulting in visible bleeding wounds. General first aid-type skin creams may help to relieve the pain.

17.2 How Can Deer Fly Bites Be Prevented?

Preventing deer fly bites involves:

• Wearing Protective Clothing: Covering skin to prevent bites.
• Using Insect Repellent: Applying insect repellent containing DEET.
• Avoiding Aquatic Habitats: Avoiding areas near creeks, streams, and tanks.

18. Biting Midges: Tiny but Troublesome

What are biting midges and why are they a significant pest in coastal areas? Biting midges, also known as no-see-ums, are small blood-sucking gnats that are considered a significant human pest in coastal areas and farming operations throughout the United States. Female midges require blood to produce eggs and will feed on warm-blooded vertebrates, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

18.1 Where Do Biting Midges Breed?

No see ums breed in coastal salt marshes, muddy flatlands, and areas with freshwater, generally in shaded areas along the edges of grass marshes where they can find decaying leaves kept out of the sun.

18.2 How Can Biting Midge Bites Be Prevented?

Preventing biting midge bites involves:

• Wearing Protective Clothing: Covering skin to prevent bites.
• Using Insect Repellent: Applying insect repellent containing DEET.
• Avoiding Peak Activity Times: Avoiding areas where biting midges are most active during dawn and dusk.

19. Black Flies: Puncture Wounds and Swelling

What are black flies and why can their bites cause severe reactions? Black flies, also known as buffalo or turkey gnats, are small blood-sucking insects found in many parts of the United States and Canada, with only the female flies feeding on blood. Their bites can cause a range of reactions, including small puncture wounds and swelling at the bite, rashes, headache, nausea, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.

19.1 Where Do Black Flies Breed?

Black flies need to breed exclusively in running water because the immature stages require oxygenated water sources to develop properly.

19.2 How Can Black Fly Bites Be Prevented?

Preventing black fly bites involves:

• Wearing Protective Clothing: Covering skin to prevent bites.
• Using Insect Repellent: Applying insect repellent containing DEET.
• Avoiding Running Water: Avoiding areas near running water where black flies breed.

20. Stable Flies: Pests of Livestock and Pets

What are stable flies and why are they a concern for livestock? The stable fly is an outdoor pest that feeds on domesticated animals and has a pointed beak with which it pierces skin and sucks blood, important as a pest and disease vector in livestock and domestic pets. The stable fly resembles the house fly but can deliver a painful, irritating bite to humans as well.

20.1 How Do Stable Flies Impact Livestock?

Stable flies can cause discomfort, stress, and reduced productivity in livestock, as well as carry pathogens that can cause diseases in animals, such as bovine anaplasmosis, equine infectious anemia, and canine heartworm.

20.2 How Can Stable Fly Populations Be Controlled?

Controlling stable fly maggots involves:

• Manure Management: Disposing of stable manure, urine-soaked straw, and moist spilled feed each week.
• Vegetation Control: Removing moist decaying vegetation like lawn clippings or decaying seaweed.
• Insecticides: Using insecticides to control fly populations.

21. Sand Flies: Nighttime Biters

What are sand flies and why are they active at night? Sand flies (spiriverpa lunulata) are small, biting insects that are commonly found in sandy areas such as beaches, riverbanks, and wetlands, becoming active when it gets dark and staying active through the night. Sand flies lay their eggs in damp soil or water, and the larvae mature in about three weeks.

21.1 Where Are Sand Flies Commonly Found?

Adult sand flies are most commonly found in open habitats without shading trees, as well as in rock crevices and rodent burrows.

21.2 How Can Sand Fly Bites Be Prevented?

Preventing sand fly bites involves:

• Wearing Protective Clothing: Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants.
• Using Insect Repellent: Applying insect repellent containing DEET.
• Avoiding Nighttime Activity: Avoiding being outdoors during the evening and nighttime hours when sand flies are most active.

22. General Strategies for Preventing Fly Infestations

What general practices can prevent fly infestations indoors? Preventing flies indoors requires proper sanitation practices, such as regularly removing trash, keeping counters clean, disposing of food properly, ensuring all windows and screens are in good condition, and staying on top of pet waste removal. If a fly infestation is suspected, it may be time to enlist the support of a licensed pest control professional to conduct an inspection.

22.1 What Key Steps Can Prevent Flies from Entering Homes?

Key steps include:

• Maintaining Cleanliness: Regularly cleaning homes to eliminate food sources.
• Sealing Entry Points: Sealing cracks and crevices to prevent flies from entering.
• Using Screens: Ensuring windows and doors have tight-fitting screens.
• Proper Waste Management: Regularly removing trash and managing pet waste.

22.2 How Can Professionals Help with Fly Control?

An experienced exterminator can look for potential breeding grounds and create a fly treatment plan specific to the infestation. By taking these preventative measures and seeking professional help if needed, homeowners can effectively prevent and eliminate fly infestations.

23. Managing an Existing Indoor Fly Infestation

How should an indoor fly infestation be managed effectively? Identifying the type of fly is important when dealing with an indoor fly infestation, as understanding the behavior and environment of the target pest ensures treatment and prevention strategies are more effective. For example, fruit flies are typically attracted to overripe or rotting fruit, while house flies are more attracted to garbage and animal waste.

23.1 How Does Identifying the Fly Type Help?

Fly identification makes locating and treating breeding and feeding sites much easier. This includes:

• Cleaning Up Food Spills: Removing any food spills or crumbs.
• Taking Out Trash Regularly: Ensuring trash is taken out regularly.
• Proper Food Storage: Properly storing food in sealed containers.

23.2 What Tools Can Help Manage Fly Infestations?

Traps and baits should also be used to manage an indoor fly problem. Fly paper, sticky traps, and bug zappers can be effective in eliminating flies, while baits containing poisons targeted at flies can help reduce the fly population. It is important to carefully follow the instructions on the products and keep them out of the reach of children and pets.

24. Preventing Flies by Keeping Things Clean

What specific cleaning practices prevent fly infestations? To prevent indoor fly infestations, the most important step is to eliminate the sources of food on which they feed, which requires putting all fruit in the refrigerator for a week so any remaining fly larvae can die off. Discarded fruits and vegetables should be promptly disposed of outdoors, and used beverage containers should be thoroughly rinsed before being discarded.

24.1 How Does Trash Management Prevent Fly Infestations?

Trash cans should come with lids to prevent flies from accessing them, and trash should be taken out regularly to covered bins outside. Fungus gnats can be controlled by allowing the plant soil to completely dry between watering cycles.

24.2 How Can Drain Maintenance Prevent Fly Infestations?

Moth flies and humpbacked flies breed within drains and can be managed by scraping the slime or lodged food waste off with a bristled brush. Drain cleaners designed to eliminate these buildups can also be used to kill off any drain flies. Drain flies may also develop in sites where there are cracks in plumbing or anywhere water from leaking sources may saturate areas like walls and floors. If this occurs, then these moisture sources must be dried out.

25. Sealing Access Points to Keep Flies Out

Why is sealing access points crucial for preventing fly problems? Sealing access points is an important step in preventing indoor fly problems, which includes tight-fitting screens on doors and windows to prevent flies from entering the home. It’s also essential to seal cracks and crevices around windows, under soffits, and around ventilation openings that allow flies to enter the building.

25.1 What Exclusion Techniques Prevent Fly Access?

Exclusion techniques can also prevent flies from accessing food. This includes:

• Sealing Garbage Cans Tightly
• Covering Foods and Beverages Properly
• Storing Susceptible Foods in a Refrigerator

25.2 When Should Sealing and Caulking Be Done?

All sealing and caulking activities should be done by the end of August, before the insects start to filter into cavities behind walls to prevent future problems with winter flies.

26. Using Traps to Capture Flies

How effective are traps in capturing indoor flies? Traps can be an effective tool to capture some types of indoor flies but should not be relied on as the sole method of control, with small fruit flies being trapped using a simple jar with a paper cone over the top and a bait such as cider vinegar, red wine, or mashed banana/beer mixture in the bottom. Commercial traps are also available for purchase.

26.1 What Types of Traps Are Available?

• Food-Based Traps: Food-based traps with various lures are also available, but the type of lure used is important in attracting the right type of fly.
• Light Traps: Lights that produce wavelengths attractive to certain flies can also be used to capture them on a sticky surface or electrocute them.
• Sticky Fly Paper: Sticky fly paper strips can be effective for capturing house flies but may not be effective for other types of flies.

26.2 What Precautions Should Be Taken When Using Traps?

“Bug zapper” traps should not be used near areas where food is prepared or consumed due to the risk of contaminating the area.

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Fly Species FAQs

How do I identify a type of fly?

Identifying the species of fly can be difficult due to the size of these insects, but each species has different physical characteristics and behaviors. One approach is to observe the fly’s size, color, wing shape, and pattern to identify the species. The fly’s habitat, feeding behavior, and breeding sites can also provide clues about its species. The easiest way would be to let a pest control professional assist in identifying the fly species so they can develop an effective control strategy.

What are the most common flies?

The most common flies found in American households include the house fly, fruit fly, mosquito, drain fly, cluster fly, and phorid fly. These species of flies are attracted to different foods and require different environments for breeding.

How can I prevent flies from entering my home?

To prevent flies from entering your home, seal any cracks or openings in your home’s foundation and around pipes, cables, and wires, as well as ensure windows and doors are properly screened and sealed. Repair any damaged screens and install door sweeps on exterior doors.

What diseases can flies transmit?

Flies can transmit a variety of diseases, including typhoid fever, cholera, dysentery, and gastroenteritis, by carrying pathogens on their bodies and legs and then contaminating food and surfaces.

Are all flies harmful?

Not all flies are harmful. Some flies, like certain species of hoverflies, are