Flies are a common pest in homes and commercial establishments. Flies normally are associated with decayed or spoiled debris. In this kind of habitat of both feeding and breeding, it is a certainty that flies and their maggots will come into contact with a wide variety of bacteria. Because they are associated with disease and because they can readily gain entry to buildings, flies pose significant pest problems.

Questions & Answers

What are the most common pest flies?

The most common flies associated with homes and commercial establishments are the house fly, the fruit fly and the cluster fly.

How do I recognize a house fly and what does it feed upon?

The house fly is 4 to 7.5 mm long and has 4 dark stripes on the thorax. This species will feed upon a variety of organic waste matter including garbage and excrement; they often crawl on people and their food.
What are the breeding characteristics of the house fly?
The life cycle can be completed in 8 days under warm conditions. As many as 12 generations can occur in one summer.

How can I control house flies?

Since house flies feed on garbage and decaying debris, improved sanitation is a key. As well, doors should be kept shut and windows screened to prevent entries of flies from outside. The use of Flying Insect Light Traps is very effective in controlling house flies.

How do I recognize a fruit fly and what does feed upon?

Fruit fly is commonly encountered in association with fermenting waste material, especially fruit and vegetable matter. They are also common in areas where soft drinks, alcohol, beer, ice cream and fermenting flour are found. The fruit fly is 3 mm long and bright red eyes and a tan-coloured to grey body.
What are the breeding characteristics of the fruit fly?
Fruit flies breed in wet decaying material. The maggots are extremely resistant to very acidic conditions and in fact can survive happily in vinegar barrels. The life cycle can be as short days and one female can lay 500 eggs.

How can I control fruit flies?

Fruit fly problems can only be solved through investigating breeding sites and corrective sanitary measures. Installation of traps containing fly attractant will reduce adult populations.

How do I recognize a cluster fly and what is its behavior?

An adult cluster fly is 8 mm long and its dark grey non-metallic body is covered with short golden hairs. When at rest the wings overlap, unlike a house fly whose wings do not overlap. The Cluster Fly is not a waste feeder. The larvae are parasitic on earthworms. The eggs are laid singly in cracks in the soil. The eggs hatch in 3 days and the maggots penetrate any part of the earthworm.

What are the breeding characteristics of a cluster fly?

Although cluster flies are not waste feeders they still pose a hazard due to their invasion of structures in the late summer and fall. The flies become trapped in buildings and secondary pests such as larder beetles can develop. Control measures include late summer/early fall exterior treatment to kill adults, and ongoing proofing of structures. Electrical Light Traps also prove effective in attracting flies inside structures.

Can I control flies myself?

Since sanitary improvements and exclusion are an important part of fly control, you are an important person in the control of flies. For your own peace of mind you may wish to consult with your local Abell Pest Control office. Cluster flies typically require assistance in control due to their biological tendency to over winter in structures and potentially very large populations. Depending on your particular situation, a single control measure may not be sufficient and an integrated program performed by an Abell service representative will be required.

Preparation Guidelines for a Fly Treatment

Step 1 - Since house and fruit flies develop in wet decaying debris, all areas where this type of material is found should be eliminated i.e. garbage pails should be emptied often.

Step 2 - Treatment performed by Abell Pest Control will vary depending on the type of fly. An inspection and report detailing breeding sites will be performed. Recommended sanitation must be performed prior to any treatment. Fly traps may be used, in this case any trap should be left where the technician places them - Please do not disturb. Outside a treatment around window sills and eaves may take place.

Step 3 - Screen or seal all openings to the outside.

Step 4 - If the species of fly of concern is a cluster fly, vacuum up dead cluster flies and remove the vacuum bag.

Step 5 - Depending on the species of fly, cluster fly, it may be necessary to vacate the premises during service and not re-enter until at least 4 after treatment. Persons with underlying health conditions should consult their family physician where they have concerns regarding re-entry. Open windows for 20 to 30 minutes after re-entry is possible.

If you have any questions, we would be happy to help - please call your local Abell Pest Control office.