Black Soldier Fly Identification and Control
Correct identification is an important first step in pest control.
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Black Soldier Fly
Hermetia illucens
How To Identify a Black Soldier Fly
Soldier flies are large and dark in color. They may have two white patches just behind the wings and have a flattened appearance. Soldier fly larvae and pupae are dark brown and flattened and are about 1 inch in length.
Where Do They Lay Their Eggs
Soldier flies lay eggs in garbage and other decaying organic material, compost piles and dumpsters. Larvae stay in the site, but will pupate outside of the food source, sometimes around poorly cleaned dumpsters.
What Do They Look Like
Side view of a black soldier fly.
Wing venation is a key way to identify a black soldier fly.
Solider fly larvae are dark brown and are 1 inch long.
Eye and antennae of black solder fly.
Soldier fly larvae are flattened in their shape.
Unique face of a black solder fly. Note the large eyes.
Are They Harmful
Black solider flies can often get confused for being a wasp, but they are in the fly family. They are larger in size and can make a loud buzzing noise when flying which can alarm people, but they are actually harmless. Their abdomen tapers to a point that may start to look like a stinger, but no stinger is there. Black soldier flies are actually a bit lazy when it comes to flying. They can often be found hanging out on a sunny leaf.
Name :
Hermetia illucens
Size :
Large
Light :
Yes, they are attracted to light
Tips & Tricks
How To Prevent Flies From Entering Your Home
Soldier flies aren’t a common fly to enter homes but making sure your home is an important preventive measure for all fly control.
- Seal cracks around doors and windows and install properly fitted screens and weather stripping.
- Keep doors and windows closed or open with properly fitted screens.
How To Get Rid Of Soldier Flies Around Your Home
Soldier flies are attracted to garbage. Having proper garbage and dumpster maintenance is the most important part of soldier fly control.
- Regularly inspect and clean dumpsters and garbage cans.
- Keep area around dumpster and garbage can clean.
- Use fly traps.
Learn more by reading our blog post: Dumpster Maintenance.
Don’t let flies take over. Thorn can help.
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How To Control
Flies can be difficult to control, but that’s what we are here for. We create a strategic plan to gain control of your fly problem and make sure we get results.
Thorn's Approach
We take a scientific approach to fly control. We start with an inspection and assessment to help us identify the flies, locate where they are, and create a specific plan for your property. Every home and business is different and requires a unique strategy.
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Our Approach to Pest Control
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.
Driven By Science. Lead By Service.
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.