Flies

What do flies look like in Virginia?

Flies of all shapes and sizes are problematic for homeowners all over the world. Flies, a nuisance in homes, are dangerous because they carry many bacteria and diseases on their legs and bodies. In Virginia, the two most common species found invading homes are the housefly and fruit fly.

House Fly

The adult housefly grows to between 1/8 of an inch and 1/4 of an inch in length. They are dull gray and have an oval-shaped body. House flies have two velvety stripes on their faces, and the thorax has four narrow stripes running down it. House flies have specialized spongy mouthparts that they use for feeding. Housefly larva is eyeless, legless, tapers from rear to head, and they are cream in color; their body has an overall greasy appearance. The housefly is the most common fly to be found living near and inside of homes.

Fruit Fly

Adult fruit flies have an oval-shaped body and are small in size; adults only grow to about 1/8th of an inch in length. They have large, bulging compound eyes that are usually red, although they can be brown or black as well. Their bodies are yellowish-brown to brownish-black in color. The fruit fly’s worm-like larvae grow to between 1/4 and 3/8 of an inch in length. The larvae’s body is tapered at the head and rounded at the hind-end segment. Their body is white, and they have two distinctive dark mouth-hooks.

Are flies dangerous?

Yes, both house flies and fruit flies are dangerous. Both can carry many diseases, human pathogens, and parasites that can contaminate food and the surfaces of a home. Flies pick up bacteria and disease on their bodies and legs as they feed and land on things like carrion, excrement, and decaying vegetation. House flies are responsible for spreading at least 30 bacterial diseases and parasites, including dysentery, diarrhea, cholera, conjunctivitis, and tapeworms.

Why do I have a fly problem?

Fruit flies often get into homes through produce, and other food items purchased at a grocery store or market and are already infested with adult fruit flies, larvae, or eggs. Fruit flies are highly attracted to properties with vegetable gardens, fruit trees, and compost piles. Things like animal excrement, garbage, gardens, leaky fixtures, and compost piles can attract house flies to a property. Once on your property, it is only a matter of time until they enter your home through torn screens, gaps found around windows and doors, and any other small opening that acts as an entrance into your home.

How do I get rid of flies?

Controlling flies can be difficult because they live and breed outdoors, and they can gain access to your home in many different ways. The easiest way to control flies residing in and around your home is to contact the fly control professionals at All Pest Control and Solutions. Our seasonal, proactive home pest control plans can protect your home and family from flies and other household invading pests. Serving Salem and the New River Valley areas, our professionals will inspect your property, develop a plan of action and then implement it! The end result – 100% satisfaction guaranteed fly control for your property.

Does All Pest Control and Solutions have any fly prevention tips?

Preventing flies from finding their way onto your property and into your home can be difficult, but there are a few things you can do to help deter these household invading pests.

• Keep kitchen trash in sealed containers and regularly wash out and sanitize trash containers.

• Outdoor trashcans should have locking lids on them

• Remove trash regularly from your home and property.

• If you own pets, clean up their excrement from your yard daily.

• Repair any holes found in window or door screens.

• Make sure that there is weather stripping placed around all windows and doors.

• Place garden areas a distance away from the outside of your home.

• Store fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator.

• Wipe down kitchen counters and sweep kitchen floors daily.