Flies

What is a Fly?

Flies are insects of the order ‘Diptera’ and have a single pair of wings. Of the many types of fly, the three most encountered by American Pest Management are:

• Blow Fly or Bottle Fly – Adults are about 1/8-5/8 in (4-16 mm) long, the size of a house fly, or slightly larger. Mature larvae are about 3/8-7/8 in (9-22 mm) long. They have sponging mouthparts; antennae are feathery, at least on the bottom two thirds. Larvae are eyeless, legless, tapered from large, rounded rear segment to head, which is a pair of dark hooks. Adults are partly or wholly metallic blue, green, or dull brassy, sometimes black. Larvae are pale yellow to white.
• Fruit Flies – Small fruit fly and vinegar fly adults are about 1/8 in (3-4 mm) long, including wings. Adult small fruit flies have antenna with a feathery bristle; wings with thickened front margins, intersected in two places. Mature larvae are about 1/4-3/8 in (7-8 mm) long, eyeless, legless, and tapered from large rounded rear to the pair of dark mouth hooks at the “head” end. Adults are dull tan to brownish yellow or brownish black; eyes usually bright red. Larvae are nearly white, except mouth hooks which are black, and the tips of the abdominal breathing pores which are yellowish.
• House Flies – House fly adult is about 1/8-1/4 in (4-7.5 mm) long, female larger than male. Mature larva is about 1/4-3/8 in (7-10mm). Adult face has 2 velvety strips, silver above and gold below; thorax has 4 narrow stripes; no pale spot behind head or rear tip of thorax; sides of abdomen usually pale; sponging mouth parts. Larva is eyeless, legless, tapered from rear to head, which is a pair of dark hooks. Adult is dull gray. Larva is cream colored and greasy looking.

Why do I have them?

As with the majority of pests, Flies are looking for a source of food and a safe place to breed and live. The type of food preferred depends upon the species of fly but include:

• Meat; animal carcasses, especially those of birds and other small animals
• Excrement
• Decaying vegetation
• Garbage
• Fresh fruits and vegetables, such as bananas, grapes, peaches, pineapples, tomatoes
• Fermenting liquids, such as beer, cider, vinegar, and wine

Are they dangerous?

Yes. Many flies liquefy solid foods by regurgitation, thus contaminating food and spreading disease.

How do I get rid of Flies?

Controlling Flies in and around your property can be a difficult task and unless all traces of their food source and breeding areas are removed they can very quickly re-infest. Calling American Pest Management is your sure-fire way to efficiently remove pest problems and prevent them coming back.

Can I do it myself?

While there are some Do-It-Yourself Fly control products on the market, they are generally ineffective unless proper, continued maintenance is carried out. It is worth remembering that if chemicals are used in Do-It-Yourself pest control, they can be dangerous to humans and pets if mixed or used improperly.

How soon can you get here?

At American Pest we strive to give our customers a rapid, efficient service and make every effort to be with you the same or very next day.

Is the treatment safe?

All products used by American Pest must have first been thoroughly checked by the EPA and registered for pest control use. Only then can they be considered for use by our highly trained pest control professionals. You can be assured that pest control services provided by American Pest will not cause any harm to humans or pets.

How can I prevent this in the future?

Preventing Flies can be a very difficult task due to their wide variety of food sources and breeding sites. Should your property or pets become infested by Flies, your first call should be to American Pest. We are committed to improving the quality of life for all of our customers by providing the safest and most effective treatment for the management of pests which pose a threat to their health, property, and food supply.