Fly Control

Fly Identification

It is crucial to find out what species of fly is causing a nuisance in or around your home. The wide variation of biology amongst the different species will require different treatment methods to effectively get rid of them. Each species has a different location preference for their larval developmental sites. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the differences of their species. The size of the fly will vary depending on the species. They will range in size anywhere from 6 mm - 55 mm. Their color may also vary from black to a brownish color. All adults have wings and their hind wings are reduced to small, knobbed appendage like structures. Their antennae will also be different according to each species but generally, they are short in length. In addition, flies have compound eye structures.

Larva, or more commonly known as maggots, are dirty-whitish in color. Because they do not possess true legs, they seem almost worm-like. The fly larvae generally does not have a developed head, therefore, eyes and antennae are often very reduced and even absent. The pupa, however, will vary between species. Some species of fly pupa will encase themselves in a silk cocoon and others will simply develop within the food. Once they emerge from the pupa stage, adult flies do not live long and will only survive long enough to reproduce. The development of flies is a rapid process. Females will lay their eggs close to the food source. Their offspring will then hatch as soon as they are laid; sometimes they even hatch inside the mother before they are laid. Laying the eggs as close to the food as possible allows for prompt feeding as soon as the offspring are hatched. They will continue to intake as much food as they possibly can until they are fully matured. Adult flies mainly serve as a means of reproduction. The entire life cycle will range anywhere from 6 days to 50 days.

Fly Infestation

Flies can be found in every corner of the world (with the exception of Antarctica). There are over 120,000 fly species. However, the worry should only derive from the usual house flies. Some of the typical flies that invade homes are listed above: house flies, fruit flies, horse flies and drain flies. Effective fly control comes in a variety of different methods. Using insect sprays from your local stores will get the job done when encountering a medium sized infestation. However, the problem is usually more problematic than medium sized. Utilize professional fly control products to get the job done regardless of enormity.

Fly Control Products

• Fly Traps
  Set and forget fly catchers such as sticky traps and ribbon traps.
• Fly Baits
  Lure your flies in with pheromone based baits.
• Ultraviolet (UV) Fly Light Traps
  Zap your fly problem away by setting up a UV insect light trap.
• Fly Liquid Insecticides
  Reliable strong chemical pesticides never fail when handling pest infestations.
• Wettable Powder Insecticides
  Powder form insecticide mixed with water to create a spot treatment for cracks and crevices.
• Professional Fly Aerosol Sprays
  Due to higher doses of fly concentrated toxicity and chemicals, regular insect sprays cannot compare.

How to Get Rid of Flies

Fly removal will consist of several different processes which includes identification, sanitation, inspection and mechanical, as well as pesticide control. Such things as identification, inspection and sanitation are preliminary processes that a homeowner should make to prevent further fly infestations. Proper identification of the fly species will help you identify where their breeding sites are, what areas you need to target and how you can treat the infestation. Because some species of flies are harmful to people and animals, inspection will allow you to know whether or not the infestation is a threat or just a nuisance. Moreover, sanitation is necessary to prevent further infestations from occurring in your home or business.

Flies often infest, feed on, and breed in areas of filth or fermenting and decaying matter. Sanitation will involve anything that will get rid of these sites. Keeping areas clean and without a food source for the flies will help prevent infestations from occurring. Last but not least, manual control of infestations that are already present is necessary. This will include mechanical control as well as applying correctly labeled insecticides in areas that are concentrated with fly infestations. Mechanical control involves the use of screens and caulk to keep the flies from entering the premises as well as traps (glue boards, fly light traps, sticky ribbon traps and etc.). Windows and door frames should be sealed tightly and lose ones should be fixed or replaced immediately. Insecticide application targets all areas of the infestation including breeding sites, larva habitats, as well as any surface that the adults may rest on. Pesticides like pressurized aerosol sprays and liquid concentrates promote contact kill of adult flies. There are also bait materials in granule and liquid form. Last but not least, ULV applications or misting applications that are like foggers kill flies inside the house as well as outdoors and around commercial areas. All product labels should be reviewed before any pesticide is applied. If you have any questions concerning fly control methods, we encourage our pest patrons to contact us.