How to Identify the Different Types of House Flies

July 25, 2019

Flies are a nuisance, especially when they’re buzzing around inside your house and landing on you, your belongings and your food. Did you know there’s more than one species of house fly? No matter the species, most all house flies thrive in home kitchens, bathrooms and sink drains, and they reproduce quickly, which often results in infestations and the spread of diseases.

Banishing flies from your home is the goal, but first you need to figure out the fly species you’re dealing with. Let’s split these pests into two groups by size for a clearer look at the identifying characteristics of the different types of house flies and the most effective methods of insect control in Central Illinois.

Large house flies

Many residents call all types of house flies “filth flies”—and that they are! Have you ever looked a fly in the eyes? You might not be able to avoid it with the large ones!

  • Common house fly: The common adult house fly ranges in color from gray to black. They infest trash bins, dead animals and sewers, and seek out either food waste or pet feces to lay their eggs. Common house flies are known to spread diseases simply by landing on household surfaces.
  • Blow fly: Blow flies, also called bottle flies, grow inside rotting meat. If you find many of these large metallic gray, black or shiny green or blue colored insects inside your house, it’s a sign there’s an animal carcass nearby, like in the walls, attic or chimney.
  • Cluster fly: This fly is a little bigger than the common house fly. It’s gray with golden hairs on its thorax, and typically invades homes in autumn as it searches for protection from the weather.

Small house flies

There are also smaller species of filth flies buzzing around. Some you may have heard of, while others may be new to you:

  • Fruit fly: Fruit flies are tan or yellowish white with red eyes, and usually observed feasting on surgery items. They thrive in moist areas such as drains and garbage cans, but are attracted to vinegar, juices, other sugary beverages and overripe fruits and vegetables. This is why they are commonly found in kitchens.
  • Drain fly: These critters look like small versions of the common house fly, except drain flies have a distinctive moth-like or furry appearance. You can find them hanging around and laying eggs in damp sink drains.
  • Lesser house fly: This tiny fly is also known as the little house fly. Though only about two thirds the size of the larger common house fly, they are fully capable of creating similar problems.

Fly control methods

Start by removing potential breeding sites and ideal conditions from in and around your home. While pesticides exist, some are not safe for use around children and pets, so it’s best to contact a professional pest control company to deal with the issue.

If you need help getting rid of house flies, don’t hesitate to contact Crist Termite and Pest Solutions, Inc. We provide the most reliable insect control in Central Illinois!

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