Flies
Flies belong to the order Diptera which means that they only have a single pair of wings. There are many species of flies and gnats; with most having one thing in common, they are capable of spreading many types of bacteria and pathogens wherever they land. Some of the most common fly and gnat species are listed below.
HOUSE FLIES
House flies are small and gray and about 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch long; females are larger than the males. Adult house flies have 4 distinctive longitudinal stripes on the thorax. As their name suggests, house flies are a very common household pests. Females can lay up to 900 eggs at one time that hatch within 8 to 20 hours. This means that a small problem with house flies can quickly become a large problem, especially since their entire life cycle can be completed in as little as 6 days.
GNATS (SMALL FLIES)
Gnats are typically less than 1/4 of an inch long. Many people see these small flies and think they are babies; but they are not. They are full grown adults. Depending on the species, gnats are yellowish, or tan to dark brown in color. Common small fly species include fruit flies, phorid flies, and fungus gnats. These flies are all typically associated with areas of high moisture and can become quite problematic in kitchen, pantry, and garbage areas. Like most fly species their life cycle, from egg to adult, is very quick – often completed in 8 to 10 days.
BOTTLE FLIES
Bottle flies (blow flies) are a large species of fly. Adults can range in size from 3/8th – 5/8th of an inch in length. They are metallic green, blue, or copper in color. An interesting fact about bottle flies is that they are a species associated with dead animals and people – forensic entomologists use the developmental stage of the bottle fly to determine time of death. In and around homes, bottle flies can also be found infesting areas where there are piles of garbage, piles of decaying vegetation, and animal feces.
DANGERS ASSOCIATED WITH FLIES AND GNATS
Flies and gnats can contaminate food and food prep services. They spread disease as they land on one thing, such as trash, then move to open food or surfaces.
FLIES AND GNATS PREVENTION
Proper sanitation and food storage practices are key ways to help prevent problems with flies and gnats. Outside of your home, you should make sure that any outdoor garbage cans have tight fitting lids and that they are stored a distance away from the exterior of your home. If compost piles are on your property, place them a distance away from your home and keep covered, and vegetable gardens should be maintained so that any fallen vegetables are picked up and discarded. If you own pets, make sure to pick up their waste daily and dispose of it properly.
Inside your home it is helpful to reduce areas of moisture by fixing any leaky pipes or fixtures, routinely wiping down sinks, and cleaning out sink and tub drains. Food in kitchen and pantry areas should be stored in sealed containers or in the refrigerator; leaving food out on tables and counters is like inviting flies to an all they can eat buffet. It is also a good idea to quickly pick up spills and crumbs and to regularly collect and remove garbage from your home.
FLIES AND GNATS TREATMENT
Flies and gnats can contaminate food and food prep services. They spread disease as they land on one thing, such as trash, then move to open food or surfaces.
