Thorn Pest Services / Company / Resources / Pest Library / House Fly

House & Filth Fly Identification and Control in Utah

Correct identification is an important first step in pest control.

MUSCA DOMESTICA
MUSCA DOMESTICA

House flies are a 1/4 inch in length with 4 black stripes on the prothorax. This is similar in appearance to the face fly.

House flies are considered a filth fly which means they are greatly benefited by our human environment for proliferation (rapid reproduction). The adults and larvae can transmit diseases to humans. They are also a nuisance by annoying and distracting people inside and outside.

Need help controlling flies?

Thorn Pest Services Identify the pest with our House Fly gallery

Where do they lay their eggs
Where do they lay their eggs

House flies lay their eggs on animal manure or decaying organic matter-especially garbage and dumpsters. While the adults feed on manure, decaying organic material and human food products; the larvae just feed on manure and decaying organic matter.

Learn more on how to control filth flies by reading our blog post: Dumpster Maintenance.

Name:

Musca domestica

Size:

Large

Light:

Yes, they are attracted to light

Thorn Pest Services Tips for keeping house flies away

House flies description
Pest control experts
How House Flies and Filth Flies Spread Germs and Diseases

House flies are mechanical vectors of pathogens because those disease causing organisms can be transferred from the fly’s contaminated body to human food, eyes, nose, mouth, and open wounds.

House flies can contain 6 million bacteria on its body and 25 million internally.

Hairs Collect Pathogens

House flies have numerous hairs on their legs, feet and bodies which significantly increase their surface area and help in picking up and holding pathogens. Their feet have sticky pads on the bottom which also easily pick up pathogens.

Sponging Mouthparts

Pathogens can be transmitted to food by the fly’s saliva and feces. House flies have sponging mouthparts, like the one pictured here. Sponging mouthparts are only capable of consuming liquid food.

Solid foods are liquefied by regurgitation of the crop contents (which may contain pathogens) onto the food material, allowing the vomit to liquify the solid food and then sucking the liquefied food (along with any disease organisms) into their digestive tract.

House flies can also contaminate food by defeating on it while feeding. These spots are usually darker.

How to prevent house flies
Pest control experts
How To Eliminate House Flies and Filth Flies Outdoors
  • Keep dumpsters at lease 50 feet away from the building.

  • Trash cans, dumpsters, and garbage areas should be clean and free of odor.

  • Lids on dumpsters and trash cans should be kept closed.

  • Do not leave trash or garbage bags next to the dumpster; place them inside.

How To Prevent Filth Flies From Entering a Building
  • Keep exterior doors closed.

  • Instal screen doors or automatic door closers, especially on doors leading into the kitchen.

  • Keep all door and window screens in good repair.

  • Exclude their entry by caulking cracks and crevices, using weather stripping where needed, putting door sweeps on gappy doors, using window screens, etc.

  • Locate where they could be breeding and remove it, if possible.

  • Improve sanitation in the area; such as the kitchen, bathroom, garbage indoors and outdoors.

  • Place light traps to catch flies that come indoors.

  • You can always use a fly swatter.

Don't let flies take over.
Thorn can help.

Fill out the form below to contact us so we can help eliminate flies fast.

Pest Science,
meet Know-How.

Thorn Pest Solutions

How thorn can help

Pests can be difficult to control, but that’s what we are here for. We create a strategic plan to gain control of your problem and make sure we get results.

Thorn's Approach

We take a scientific approach to pest control. We start with an inspection and assessment to help us identify the pest, locate where they are, and create a specific plan for your property. Every home and business is different and requires a unique strategy.

Black Beetle. Thorn Diagram.

Thorn Pest Services

Driven by science.
Led by service.

Proper pest management starts with a detailed inspection and assessment from an expert pest professional before treatment. Thorn Pest Solutions uses a three-step process rooted in science to eliminate pests with long-term results.

Assess Situation

First, we identify the root problem(s) with a site assessment. Pests are almost always an indicator of an environmental condition. This will determine the best actions to provide short and your long-term results against pests.

Execute Action Plan

Next, we develop a plan to fix the problems we discovered. This includes solving current pest issues, eliminating conducive conditions, and monitoring for future pest activity. Good pest management starts with a good plan.

Track Success

Lastly, we implement the solutions we developed including inspection, monitoring, and preventing future pest infestations. Good pest control requires a good offense and not just defense. Prevention is key.

Let's get rid of those pests.
Call today:

Thorn Pest Services Other common Utah pests

Thorn pest control services in Utah. Hear From Our Customers

  • Dale Poulson
    Trevor did an admirable ant thorough job in finding and eliminating potential pest and insect infestation points. He had a pleasant personality and was very informative. I would highly recommend him and Thorn Pest Solutions for your home needs.
  • Alan
    David came out today to spray for spiders. He was pleasant and professional and took his time doing it right. Fantastic job, very impressed.
  • Karena Jackson
    Very responsive and helpful
  • Jade Ortiz
    Great service. Through & professional. On time. Easy scheduling.
  • Kortnee Grigg
    Quick response time and knowledgeable staff thank you! Will contact again for pest needs
  • Becky Melville
    Great company! I would highly recommend!
  • kevin jewkes
    I've been using Thorn since last fall after several other 'flashy' pest control companies have let me down (others have lied and simply not performed the service). Thorn has been the opposite of that experience. Every person I've worked with has been kind, thorough, and at a very reasonable price. I've noticed less bug activity than with any of the others I've tried. Today David to the service, and was great to work with. I highly recommend Thorn.
  • Alisha Kvamme
    We’ve been with this company for 10+ years and highly recommend them to anyone! They are so kind and aiming to always go the extra mile to make sure you get taken care of and they are affordable!!
  • John-Paul Andersen
    These guys are awesome. Great price for a great service. Using the homeguard, they took care of my spider and mouse problem fast and effectively. Highly recommended!
  • Josie Platts
    Thorn is a great price for excellent service and professional service experts.
  • Lisa Smith
    We’ve had thornpest control spray for our bugs, insects and hornets for years! We’ve had the same technician for many of those years and we are very happy with the work they’ve done for us. They are very professional and on time!
  • Andrea Pace
    Easy to schedule, dependable, good service!
  • Anon Ib
    Don is so helpful and friendly he always comes to do a spray anytime I need it and he's always been extremely knowledgeable
  • Stuart Hamilton
    The technician that was here this morning was extremely thorough and patient. Very much appreciated
  • Anne P Inouye
    Very friendly and helpful! Came right away and answered all my questions!
  • Kirsten Gregersen
    Great experience, technicians were on time, friendly and professional. Will use their services again.
  • Philip Wheatley
    Great service. Very knowledgeable technician. Answered all our questions. Highly recommend.
  • Wendy Roberts
    We have been fighting Elm tree seed beatles for a few summers they are nasty little pest and they will infest. They get everywhere into everything. Thorn came right out and took care of us just like they said they would. I have every confidence that they will continue to stand by their services and provide nessecary services as promised
  • Madi Kershaw
    Thorn Pest Control is great! They are super professional and helpful.
  • Kelly K
    Highly recommend to everyone. Been using them for years! Super thorough, and the first time we used them in a house that hadn’t been sprayed in years they came back for free to respray when a few bugs managed to get by. None ever did since then!
Quality Pro
NPMA
Food Safety Certified
Schools Certified
ACE
Entomological Society of America
Google Reviews