What a thorough fly control program should include

Dr. Eric Paysen, Technical Services Manager, Syngenta Professional Pest Management

Filth flies comprise an offensive group of pests that includes house flies, flesh flies (Sarcophagidae) and bottle flies (Calliphoridae). These insects breed in sites rich in infectious bacteria such as carcasses, feces and decomposing waste. Adult flies mechanically vector bacteria to surfaces they land on, including human food and prep areas.

A thorough control program should include sanitation, mechanical control and, for long-term control, liquid residual applications. When selecting surfaces for liquid applications, inspect for fly landing spots, including vertical surfaces protected from direct sun and wind. Shaded walls near dumpsters or trash cans are ideal places to apply a microencapsulated liquid insecticide or wettable powder.