Flies

Identification and Behavior of Common Flies

House Fly (Musca domestica)

The house fly is grayish in color and identifiable by its four dark longitudinal stripes on the thorax, typically measuring between 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch in length. Adults feature large, red compound eyes and transparent wings, making them strong fliers attracted to food waste, garbage, and decaying organic matter. They commonly lay eggs on rotting food or animal waste, and due to their contact with filth, house flies carry various pathogens. Effective control methods for house flies include maintaining sanitation by eliminating food waste and cleaning trash cans, using traps, applying insecticides around entry points, and employing exclusion techniques such as installing window screens.

Fruit Fly (Drosophila spp.)

Fruit flies are small, measuring about 1/8 inch long, and possess a tan or light brown body with red eyes. Their erratic flying patterns often lead them to ripening or decaying fruits and vegetables, where they lay eggs on rotting produce. As major pests in kitchens and food production areas, fruit flies can be controlled by maintaining sanitation through cleaning surfaces and disposing of overripe fruits, using traps that contain attractive bait, and covering produce to prevent egg-laying.

Drain Fly (Psychodidae)

The drain fly is about 1/8 inch long and resembles a moth, characterized by a gray or black fuzzy appearance and rounded wings covered in fine hairs. They thrive in moist environments like drains and sewage systems, breeding in organic matter that accumulates in biofilms. Larvae feed on decaying organic materials found in stagnant water. Effective control involves cleaning drains thoroughly, improving drainage to reduce standing water, and placing sticky traps or applying insecticidal sprays in infested areas.

Flesh Fly (Sarcophagidae)

Flesh flies are typically gray or black and are distinguished by their three dark stripes on the thorax and checkerboard patterns on their abdomens. Larger than house flies, they measure between 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch long and are attracted to decaying animal matter for egg-laying. Their larvae feed on decaying meat, posing health risks if they infest food preparation areas. Control methods consist of maintaining sanitation around trash and dumpsters, sealing entry points, and applying insecticides where flies breed.

Blow Fly (Calliphoridae)

Blow flies are recognized for their metallic appearance, often seen in green, blue, or copper shades, and measure about 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch in length. Commonly attracted to decaying flesh and carrion, they are typically the first to arrive at carcasses to lay their eggs. Their larvae, known as maggots, are utilized in forensic science to determine time of death. Key control measures include proper disposal of animal carcasses, using fly screens, and applying insecticides around food waste.

Cluster Fly (Pollenia spp.)

Cluster flies are larger than house flies, averaging around 1/4 inch long, with a dull gray color and golden or silver hairs on their thoraxes. They exhibit a characteristic "X" pattern with overlapping wings and are often found in attics or wall voids during fall and winter as they seek shelter. Although they do not breed indoors, they become a nuisance near windows. Effective control strategies include sealing entry points, using sticky traps or light traps, and applying insecticidal sprays around potential entry areas.

Horse Fly (Tabanidae)

Horse flies are larger, ranging from 1/2 inch to 1 inch in length, and are recognized for their large, powerful jaws used for biting. Usually dark brown or black, with significant green or red eyes, they are known for painful bites and are most active during warm months, often found near livestock. Protection against bites can be achieved through DEET repellents, exclusion techniques like protective netting, and targeted insecticides.

Deer Fly (Chrysops spp.)

Deer flies resemble horse flies but are smaller, measuring about 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch. They can be identified by their banded wings and brightly colored eyes, often yellow-green. Known for their aggressive biting behavior, they are usually found in wooded or grassy areas. Control methods include using DEET repellents on exposed skin and wearing protective clothing outdoors.

Phorid Fly (Phoridae)

Phorid flies are small, measuring about 1/16 inch to 1/8 inch, with a distinctive humped back and short, rounded wings. They move erratically and are attracted to decaying organic matter, frequently found in garbage bins or drains. Often indicative of plumbing issues, they feed on decaying materials. Control efforts should focus on sanitation by cleaning drains and sealing entry points.