What Are Flies?
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Flies belong to the order Diptera and are among the most common household and commercial pests. With only one pair of wings, they are strong fliers and quick breeders. While some species, like fruit flies, are mostly nuisance pests, others such as house flies and drain flies pose serious health risks.
Are Flies Harmful?
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Disease Transmission: Flies carry bacteria and pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, and Shigella after feeding on waste and then landing on food or surfaces.
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Food Contamination: They spread germs by regurgitating and defecating wherever they land.
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Nuisance Factor: Large numbers indoors create stress, especially in restaurants or food-handling facilities.
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Health Concerns: Associated with outbreaks of food poisoning, diarrhea, and eye infections.
Fly Control
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Flies breed quickly, making prevention and professional treatment important.
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Inspection: Identify species and breeding sites (garbage, drains, organic matter).
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Sanitation: Eliminate trash buildup, clean drains, and remove decaying organic material.
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Exclusion: Screen windows/doors and seal gaps to prevent entry.
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Targeted Treatments: Use residual insecticides, drain treatments, traps, and UV light traps for commercial spaces.
Types of Flies in NJ, PA & DE
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House Fly: Gray, medium-sized flies commonly seen indoors.
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Fruit Fly: Tiny, red-eyed flies attracted to rotting fruit and sugary liquids.
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Drain Fly (Moth Fly): Fuzzy flies that breed in sink and floor drains.
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Cluster Fly: Larger flies that invade attics and walls in cooler months.
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Horse Fly: Large biting flies common outdoors, especially near water.
Flies Appearance
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Size: 1/16 inch (fruit flies) to over 1 inch (horse flies).
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Color: Varies — gray, black, tan, or patterned depending on species.
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Body: Soft bodies with large, prominent eyes.
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Wings: One pair, clear or slightly veined.
Flies Habitat
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Outdoors: Manure, garbage, compost piles, and decaying vegetation.
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Indoors: Kitchens, drains, garbage cans, and food-handling areas.
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Seasonal: Flies are most active in summer but may overwinter indoors.
Flies Diet
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Adults: Feed on liquids like sugary drinks, fermenting fruit, garbage, and animal waste.
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Larvae (Maggots): Consume decaying organic matter, including food waste and carrion.
Flies Life Cycle
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Flies undergo complete metamorphosis:
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Eggs: Laid in decaying organic matter or drains.
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Larvae (Maggots): Worm-like stage that feeds heavily.
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Pupa: Transformation stage in soil or hidden crevices.
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Adult: Emerges ready to feed and reproduce within days.
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House flies complete their cycle in as little as 7–10 days, causing infestations to multiply quickly.
