House Fly
Actual size: 0.3 in.
Blue Bottle Fly
Actual size: 0.5 in.
Stable Fly
Actual size: 0.3 in.
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Behavior:
The fly is one of the most well-known insects, belonging to the same insect group
as mosquitoes. House flies are sometimes referred to as filth flies.
Horse manure is a favorite breeding site for flies. The manure must be less than
a day old to be attractive. Flies are common on hog and poultry farms, in horse
stables and on ranches. Excessive numbers of flies are obnoxious.
Flies also breed in garbage, animal carcasses and decaying vegetable matter.
Types:
There are many different kinds of flies such as bottle flies, blow flies and stable
flies.
Distinguishing Marks:
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Most flies have large compound eyes and three simple eyes.
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The house fly is 1/4" long with 1/2" wing span.
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The house fly has gray thorax with four long dark stripes.
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Life Cycle:
The fly undergoes complete metamorphosis with egg, larval, pupal and adult stages.
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In temperate zones, the fly overwinters in the larval or pupal stage in a protected
location. In summer and warm weather flies can complete their cycle in 10 days.
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Larvae emerge within 10 hours after the egg is laid and undergo three instars within
three to seven days at temperatures between 70-90 degrees F.
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Larvae migrate, moving slowly to suitable areas to pupate. The size of the pupae
determines the size of the adult.
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It can take between three days and four weeks for the pupae to become adults, depending
on temperature and humidity.
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As many as 12 generations occur in one summer.
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A female can lay up to 500 eggs in several batches over three to four days.
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Disease & Damage:
Flies are primarily carriers of disease organisms. They frequently defecate and
vomit on landing sites. Their bodies are covered with fine hairs that easily pick
up germs and move them around.
Diseases associated with flies as carriers include conjunctivitis, typhoid fever,
polio, tuberculosis, cholera, diarrhea and dysentery. Good sanitation is the key
to preventing the spread of disease by flies.
Follow these sanitation tips for effective carpet fly control:
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Cover garbage.
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Remove all moist organic matter.
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Remove the breeding site.
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If you would like more information or tips for removing fliess from your home, please
contact our
Consumer Relationship Center.
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