Fly Information & Facts
Non-biting flies, such as houseflies, are not only nuisance pests, but they are also responsible for transmitting diseases and contaminating food. For instance, flies are capable of contaminating food and transferring more than 100 pathogens, including malaria, salmonella and tuberculosis. Food contamination is one of the main reasons that fly pest control is so important.
If you have a fly infestation in your home, contact a pest professional promptly. They will be able to inspect your home, confirm the species and recommend a course of pest control to treat and get rid of the flies.
Flies Identification
How to Get Rid of Flies in Your Home
Files have relatively short lifespans, however, they can rapidly reproduce in large numbers and are known to spread serious diseases around the world such as salmonella and even malaria, which is spread by biting flies.
The most common species in the U.S. are houseflies, fruit flies and horse flies, each posing unique problems for people. To keep these bothersome pests at bay, following these prevention steps:
- Regularly dispose of trash and use sealed garbage cans
- Promptly clean up any pet waste to prevent potential fly breeding sites from developing
- Secure all exterior windows and doors with mesh screening
- Repair any damaged weather stripping or mesh screens
What Will Keep Flies Away?
Most of the time, flies will hatch outside and then find their way into a home via openings like worn down weather stripping, damaged mesh screens or if doors are left open or ajar. Flies prefer to be in warmer environments and are attracted to warm air currents coming from buildings on cold days. Once inside, female houseflies are capable of laying between 75 to 150 eggs at a time, typically depositing them in compost piles, garbage cans and rotting organic material. When compressed together, all of the eggs are only about the size of a pea, making them very hard to spot. Additionally, fruit flies in particular can be brought into a home by latching onto food brought in from outside, as they are attracted to food waste and overripe produce.
To prevent a fly infestation, sealing any exterior weak spots and practicing vigilant sanitation are crucial. Because of their small size, flies can make their way inside through even the smallest cracks and crevices. Closing any exterior gaps around the home and ensuring all weather stripping and mesh screens are secure will help keep the home free of flies. Inside, be sure to regularly dispose of trash, keep all counter surfaces clean, and eliminate any decaying food matter or pet waste as quickly as possible to reduce potential breeding sites.
Hire a Fly Exterminator Near You
Flies are capable of transmitting dangerous diseases and infestations can quickly grow. If you discover or suspect a fly problem in your home, use our Zip Code Locator to find a licensed pest control professional in your area. A professional can conduct an inspection to identify and eliminate any potential breeding sites, as well as implement an effective treatment plan to prevent any future infestations.
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