Treatment Countdown: Practical Tips for Small Flies

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August 1, 2007

By: Austin Frishman

Occasionally, pipes break in walls, or ceilings leak. When flies infest such areas, major construction is required. The construction alteration costs are much more than the actual pest management service costs. With that in mind, try using this list to help you detect most breeding areas before they cause even more trouble.


Austin M. Frishman

1. Use a strong-beam flashlight to project light into floor drains. The bright light triggers drain flies to undulate at the surface of the water. You will not be able to see them otherwise.

2. Breathe deeply. If air does not smell fresh, it probably means bacteria are multiplying in a rancid media, and are providing a fly-breeding territory.

3. Stare off into space. This actually can help you spot adult flies flying by. It can take some adjustment, though, because your eyes are used to focusing on solid items and not at “space.”

4. Cover suspect floor and sink drains with clean plastic bags. Leave the bags on overnight. Check the next day to see whether adult flies are inside the bags. If so, they are breeding in those drains. You also can use clear plastic wrap and duct tape.

5. Step strongly on kitchen tiles to see whether water comes oozing out. This can occur even from under seemingly tight tiles. You can’t always detect this just by looking at the tiles.

6. Check window ledges for live and dead flies. They are attracted to light coming through the windows. It does not mean the flies are breeding at those locations, but it does tell you what species to look for.

7. Use a few drops of vinegar on light-colored glue boards. They will quickly catch Phoridae (humpbacked flies). They will not eliminate populations, but they can certainly direct you to where most are breeding.

8. Use lime-colored sticky traps. These will attract and capture Sciaridae (dark-winged fungus gnats).

9. Look on the exterior, where cars or other items are washed. Look where the water runs off pavement onto dust or grass. This is another good breeding site for small and large flies.

10. Check insect light traps. You are not only interested in what types of insects are present, but also the relative quantity in each trap. This helps pinpoint the general regions where the flies may be breeding.

11. Look in large potted plants. Tap the leaves. If you see small dark flies running in the plant, they most likely are dark-winged fungus gnats.

12. In homes, check where potatoes are stored. These locations can be popular breeding sites for fruit flies.

13. In restaurants, check the fruit. Pay particular attention to where cantaloupes and other fruits are stored and/or prepared.

14. Look for old coffee grinds saved in people’s desks to use as organic nutrients for potted plants. This is another good source for dark-winged fungus gnats.

15. Check drip pans under refrigerators. Check for scum and small flies (especially Phoridae).

16. Look under the plastic liners in trash cans. Small flies, like other pests and even humans, like to be close to their food sources.

17. Check elevator pits. With breaks in sewer lines you may need a professional plumber to help you.

Frishman, an industry consultant since 1967, is president of AMF Pest Management Services in Boca Raton, Fla. He specializes in pest management training and inspections, research and marketing of pesticides and equipment, and insect and rodent management strategies for a wide variety of businesses. You can reach him atpccontributor@questex.com.

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