House Fly
Appearance
Long body with four dark stripes marking the thorax; two, transparent wings
Color
Reddish eyes; gray body with black stripes
Size
3/16 to 1/4 inch long
Habitat
Human dwellings and agricultural spaces, such as poultry coops and barns, as well as around unsanitary areas, like landfills
Interesting Facts
Because they are continuously consuming food, they continuously defecate, which is one reason house flies are successful vectors of pathogens.
About the House Fly
House flies have relatively short lifespans, the adult male living anywhere from one week to one month in the wild. This does not make them any less of a nuisance or potential health risk. Females lay a large number of eggs, approximately 500, in multiple batches.
The small white larvae feed on decaying material, which is why we often notice them developing near garbage piles, animal feces or other unsanitary environments.
House flies depend on and thrive in warmer weather, so the warmer the temperatures, the faster larvae will develop and the quicker an infestation can develop.
House Fly Control
A house fly here or there can be tolerated, but because they can carry disease and they reproduce so rapidly, preventing an infestation is paramount.
Cluster Fly
Appearance
Large abdomen (larger than the common house fly) with overlapping wings
Color
Bodies are dark gray, black and/or silver with a checkered pattern
Size
Adults are 7 mm long
Habitat
Human dwellings during autumn and fall; in and around earthworm habitats during developmental periods and warmer months
Interesting Facts
The name cluster fly comes from their propensity to cluster together in attics and warm spaces during cooler months; they’re often found buzzing, upside down on their backs when they falter
About the Cluster Fly
Females lay their eggs within close proximity to earthworm habitats because larvae are parasites of worms, feeding off of them while developing into adults, which takes anywhere from 25 to 30 days.
People often don’t realize they have a cluster fly problem because the groups remain relatively dormant within the comfort of a warm space. As winter breaks, however, you may notice more movement.
Cluster Fly Control
Cluster flies, when together, have the ability to give off a sweet, sticky, buckwheat-type scent which can attract more flies during cooler months. To prevent cluster flies, ensure all openings to the property are caulked and sealed well. Sweep or vacuum dead cluster flies immediately.
Fruit Fly
Appearance
Small bodies with bulging, red eyes and transparent wings
Color
Small, protruding red eyes with a yellowish-brown abdomen displaying black rings
Size
Adults are 1/8 inch long
Habitat
Human dwellings, restaurants, schools and other places where fermenting food is commonplace
Interesting Facts
Despite its small size, the fruit fly has one the most advanced eye compositions of all insects. The fruit fly's compound eye is comprised of over 760 individual units, also known as ommatidia.
About the Fruit Fly
Fruit flies are aptly named because the females lay eggs near or on the surface of fermenting fruits and vegetables, or other organic materials, such as compost or leaf trimmings. They reproduce in large numbers, producing up to 500 larvae at one time.
One week is a common lifespan for a fruit fly.
For the most part, fruit flies are simply a nuisance pest; however, if food is left unsecured, they can contaminate it by carrying bacteria and other pathogens into it.
Fruit Fly Control
The best form of prevention against fruit flies is properly storing and securing food and other organic material, such as kitchen waste and compost.
Drain/Moth Fly
Appearance
Small, broad flies that have a fuzzy appearance because of thick hairs on the body
Color
Shades of brown and black with hairy wings that sometimes have an iridescent appearance
Size
Adults are smaller than 5mm
Habitat
In and around moist places and organic matter, such as drain interiors and standing water
Interesting Facts
The adult moth fly is sexually mature immediately after emerging from it's pupal stage.
About the Drain / Moth Fly
Although they have a short life span, approximately two weeks, they are resilient. Many developing larvae can stand up to hot, soapy water being washed down a drain.
In warm and moist condition, eggs can hatch in approximately two days, and larvae take another 15 to fully develop. While drain / moth flies present little danger to humans – they don’t bite – they are a nuisance.
Drain / Moth Fly Control
Keeping the drains inside your property clear of decaying organic matter is your best approach to prevention.
Green Bottle Fly
Appearance
Smaller bodies with hair protruding from the back and legs; reddish, orange eyes; translucent wings
Color
Metallic to coppery green with yellow mouths
Size
Adults are 8 to 10 mm
Habitat
Around material necessary for breeding, such as animal feces and decomposing meat
Interesting Facts
Once the larvae develop into pupae, their originally clear, white encasing turns to a hard exterior developing a reddish, brown coloring in just a few hours
About the Green Bottle Fly
Adult females lay up to 200 eggs at a time, creating multiple generations every year. Green bottle flies depend on decaying material to develop, so typically, eggs will be laid within a carcass, animal feces or other rotting material.
Green bottle flies are larger than traditional house flies, and they boast a longer lifespan.
Green Bottle Fly Control
Because they require such specific environments in which to breed, the best prevention method is to eliminate potential breeding grounds. Keeping foods properly stored. Having your property inspected often (even a dead rodent in an attic or between walls can create a breeding ground for green bottle flies) and removing animal waste from around the property are all sound, preventative measures.
