House & Filth Fly Identification and Control
Correct identification is an important first step in pest control.
Correct identification is an important first step in pest control.
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.
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.
Musca domestica
Large
Yes, they are attracted to light
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
GET STARTED IN 3 EASY STEPS
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.