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Correct identification is an important first step in pest control.
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.
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.
Identify the pest with our Black Solider Fly gallery 
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 for keeping black solider flies away 
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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