Preventing reproducing flies in the summer

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

Summer is here, which means many pests have started rapidly reproducing. Filth flies (Milichiidae) are possibly the best example of rapid reproduction. This group of flies is comprised of large, strong-flying species, such as house, little house, flesh and bottle flies. The larvae (maggots) develop in decaying organic material teeming with pathogenic microbes, making their “filth” name appropriate. Additionally, adult flies are known or suspected to transmit at least 65 diseases to humans.

When flies of any kind begin making more than an occasional appearance on your customer’s property, it’s an indicator there’s likely a contributing factor leading to the increased population. Always check for sanitation issues, as anything that smells like decay can serve as a breeding site and attract flies from miles away.

Consider making residual liquid applications that target the areas where flies rest, which are often vertical surfaces away from strong winds.