Fly Identification & Prevention

All true flies belong to the order Diptera and make up one of the large groups of insects. Diptera means two wings because, unlike other insects, flies only have one pair of wings instead of two.

There are many species of flies that call Texas home. Many homes experience problems with small flies like gnats, fruit flies, and drain flies.

Adult fruit flies are 1/8 of an inch long and yellow-brown to dark brown. Some species have distinctive red eyes, and the wings have two breaks in the leading edge nearest the body. The larvae are small and very distinctive, with an extended, stalk-like breathing tube at the rear of the body.

The adult cluster fly is another species we regularly find within our Texas homes. They are about 3/8 of an inch long, slightly larger than the common house fly, and their coloration is a non-metallic, dark gray. The thorax lacks distinct stripes and has numerous short golden hairs, and the abdomen has irregular lighter areas.

Flies are an important part of nature, a type of scavenger helping to get rid of decaying organic matter and providing a food source for many animals. However, flies are pests in and around our homes, and you should never tolerate their presence.

Flies pose a danger when living near us. We never want to share our homes with these pests. Keeping them away from our outdoor spaces is also essential because the more flies are living near your home, the more likely they will get into it.

The majority of flies are filth flies. These flies feed on and lay their eggs in excrement, decaying organic matter, and carrion. Filth flies constantly come into contact with bacteria, viruses, and other disease-causing pathogens. In our homes, flies will contaminate surfaces and food with things that will make us ill. Flies are most well-known for spreading pathogens that cause things like food poisoning, vomiting, and diarrhea. They also spread parasites to people and animals.

Some flies are dangerous because of their ability to deliver painful bites. Female deer flies bite people and animals to consume blood meals required to complete their life cycle. Not only are their bites painful, but they can trigger severe allergic reactions.

Flies are prolific breeders who can quickly take over any indoor or outdoor space that provides them with their necessities. The biggest attractant for most flies is moisture. Flies breed the fastest and are most problematic in warm temperatures, meaning flies can plague Texas homeowners throughout most of the year.

Most flies love damp, dark, warm environments. In our yards, flies frequent trash cans, recycling bins, compost, fruits and vegetables that have fallen to the ground, decaying yard debris, and animal excrement.

When they buzz around our yards in large numbers, you will eventually find flies in your house, moving inside through torn screens, open doors, vents, and drains. Fruit flies often infest our Texas homes after we bring inside produce from grocery stores infested with their eggs or larvae.

Once inside, flies gather in areas of your home that offer them access to food and moisture, like kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and pantries.

Texas attracts a wide variety of different flies, all of which we can help you eliminate. Here at Green Pest Guys, we help you protect what’s most important to you — your family. We offer eco-friendly products, customized treatments, and guaranteed services to guard your family against the health problems a fly infestation can inflict. Please call today to learn more about our local, family-owned company and the effective fly control solutions we provide. We can keep flies away from your property with our home pest control and commercial pest control solutions!

Through our ongoing pest control services and the following fly prevention tips, you can help prevent problems with flies on your Texas property.

Keep flies from easily entering your home by ensuring screens are intact, installing weatherstripping around windows and doors, and placing screens over drains and vents leading into your house.

Remove their easy access to feeding and breeding sites on your property by picking up fruits and vegetables that have fallen to the ground and picking up your pet’s excrement daily. Always keep lids on trash cans and recycling bins, and keep indoor and outdoor eating areas free of food debris.

For the safest and most effective ways to get rid of flies and keep them away once and for all, reach out to Green Pest Guys today!