2 main ways to deal with invading house flies

Dr. Doug Ross, Technical Services Manager, Animal Health, Control Solutions Inc.

House flies (Musca domestica) are a “people problem.” I don’t mean merely that they bother people, although they certainly do, but that people cause the problem.

House flies are synanthropic, which means “ecologically associated with humans.” They live near, and benefit from being associated with us. Female flies lay their eggs on, and the larvae (maggots) develop in the manure of dogs, horses, cows, chickens and other animals; in piles of decaying vegetation; in neglected compost piles; and in garbage cans and trash heaps.

Getting rid of accumulated waste materials and general sanitation are crucial for house fly control. Because house flies can fly long distances, eliminating sources on the customer’s property doesn’t guarantee it will be fly-free. But there are two main options for dealing with invading house flies:

⦁ Traps can capture thousands of flies without relying on pesticide applications. A variety of house fly traps are available. Some capture flies on sticky surfaces; others lure them to their death with attractants; and still others are a combination thereof.

⦁ Insecticides for house flies generally fall into two categories: baits and sprays. Baits contain attractants plus an insecticide, and kill flies after ingestion. Sprays are applied to the outside surfaces of buildings and other places where flies land and rest.

With a little bit of effort, you can keep this “people problem” from pestering your customers.