Central Life Sciences: Flies

By Doug VanGundy, Senior Director, Research and Development

Flies are one of the most annoying insects for any commercial or residential establishment. From house flies to fruit flies, they all can be a challenge to control. Pest management professionals (PMPs) must begin controlling problems by locating the source of the infestation and the breeding site. Once this is discovered, they can work with the customer to establish an effective long-term fly control program.

Here are some tips to help you and your customers identify and control fly infestations:

• Identify the fly species that is infesting the account.

• Determine all possible breeding sites, both indoors and outdoors.

• Remove supporting conditions and breeding sites, and limit the flies’ access to food and water.

• Look for common or likely access points within the facility.

• Implement an integrated pest management (IPM) program.

• Apply an insecticidal bait or use non-insecticidal traps to control breeding adult flies.

• Also use an insect growth regulator (IGR) as an indoor treatment to break the fly reproductive cycle

There are a variety of fly control products on the market, such as fly abatement strips, scatter baits, traps, attractants, etc. It is important for PMPs to communicate with the customer to determine and implement the best integrated fly control program an account, as to prevent future infestations.