Pest Expert Overview: House Flies in Bryan & College Station
In Texas, where the climate ranges from arid deserts to humid coastal plains, house flies are a common and unwelcome presence. These ubiquitous insects are not just a nuisance but also pose health risks due to their habits and habitats.
House flies (Musca domestica) are one of the most widespread and recognizable insects. An adult house fly is about 1/4 inch long with a gray body and four dark stripes on the thorax. They have compound eyes with a wide field of view and are equipped with a pair of wings; the second pair has evolved into small structures known as halteres which aid in flight stability.
An interesting fact about house flies is their ability to taste with their feet. They have taste receptors on their lower legs and feet, which means they can taste their food by simply walking on it. House flies are also known for their rapid reproduction rate and short life cycles, factors that contribute to their prevalence.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of the house fly is remarkably fast, allowing populations to grow rapidly under suitable conditions. It comprises four stages: egg, larva (maggot), pupa, and adult. The entire cycle can be completed in as little as a week in warm weather.
Females lay their eggs in moist, decaying organic material like garbage, manure, or compost, providing a nutrient-rich environment for the emerging larvae. These maggots feed voraciously and grow rapidly, molting several times before pupating. Within the pupal case, the maggot transforms into an adult fly, emerging to start the cycle anew.
Why They are Pests
House flies are considered pests for several reasons. They are notorious for spreading diseases, as they feed on and lay eggs in unsanitary places like trash and feces, picking up pathogens which they can transfer to human food and surfaces. Diseases and conditions associated with house flies include food poisoning, diarrhea, cholera, and dysentery.
Our most common calls about flies include:
Maggots on the floor in or near the kitchen. This problem usually arises when a fly has laid eggs between a trash bag and the trash bag container. The homeowner removes the bag, sets it on the ground to tie it, then carries it out. When they return, there are maggots on the floor. No control is needed. This is a one-time, short term situation that will resolve itself within a few hours. The client can sweep up the larvae and throw them outside.
Large number of flies suddenly appearing in a room. This usually happens when a rodent or other animal has died in the wall near the room or some food item has been lost in the room. A fly laid eggs on the item and now the adults are emerging. All the adults will emerge within the same day, usually. No control is needed. This is a one-time, short-term event that will subside within a day or two.
Large numbers of flies outside. Flies can grow into huge populations during the summer. They make it difficult to enjoy our outdoor environment. In this case, clients should correct the conducive conditions outlined below. However, their ability to fly long distances, may make it difficult to locate and remove conducive conditions.
House Fly Prevention and Control
Effectively controlling and preventing house fly infestations involves a combination of sanitation, exclusion, and population control:
- Sanitation: Keeping homes and businesses clean is the first line of defense. Regular trash disposal, cleaning up food spills, and managing compost and animal waste effectively can significantly reduce attractants for house flies.
- Exclusion: Use of screens on windows and doors, sealing cracks and crevices, and using air curtains in commercial settings can help prevent flies from entering buildings.
- Traps: Various traps, from light traps to sticky traps, can be effective in reducing house fly populations. Using bag traps can work for a short time, but they must be placed on the outside perimeter of the area of concern. Placing them in the area of concern, like a patio, could worsen the problem and the bag traps smell bad.
- Insecticide baits are very effective for short periods of time for controlling adult flies. Unless the source of the flies is removed, however, baits will only provide some relief from adult flies for a few days.
Professional House Fly Control
If you are dealing with an infestation of House Flies, Venus Pest Company can help. Founded by Aggie Entomologist Dr. Scott Lingren, we provide expert, eco-friendly Integrated Pest Management solutions in Bryan and College Station. To get started, fill out the contact form, call/text 979.774.0486 or email [email protected]. Don’t let nuisance pests take over your home!
