Flies

Fly Identification

What are bottle flies?

Color: Head and thorax are dull gray, and the abdomen is bright metallic blue or green with black markings
Shape: Small oval
Size: 1/5- 1/3 inch, slightly larger than a housefly
Region: Found throughout the U.S.
Habits: Most species develop in meat or animal carcasses, but if these are not available, they will use animal excrement, decaying vegetation, and/or garbage.
Threats: These flies have been known to carry numerous disease-causing germs and their ability to cause myiasis in humans and animals.
Prevention: Remove trash regularly and use well-sealing garbage receptacles. Clean up pet waste immediately. Use fine mesh screens on doors and windows to prevent fly entry in your home in Pleasanton , Tracy , Roseville , CA and Surrounding Areas. Remove any decaying animal carcasses.

What are drain flies?

Color: Light gray or tan body and lighter-colored wings
Shape: Small oval
Size: About 1/8-inch
Region: Found throughout the U.S.
Habits: In homes, adults are found on bathroom, kitchen or basement walls. More active at night, drain flies do not bite and, surprisingly, do not transmit human diseases. Drain flies feed on organic matter and sewage.
Threats: The greatest threat that drain flies pose to humans is the risk of being inhaled. Unlike other flies that are large enough to be avoided, the drain fly is smaller in comparison. Most people are not affected by the inhalation, but asthmatics may be prone to issues. The drain flies can carry diseases, and once inhaled into already sensitive lungs, they can cause even more problems.
Prevention: The best way to control drain flies is to control adult populations and to keep the drains clean using periodic cleaning. A pest management professional can use an enzyme to break down the film that is hospitable to drain flies.

What are fruit flies?

Color: Tan/ light abdomen
Shape: Small oval
Size: 1/8 of an inch
Region: Found throughout U.S.
Habits: Fruit flies feed on decaying matter, especially fruits and vegetables. They are found on moist, decaying matter that has been sitting for several days. Other fermenting items can harbor fruit flies as well.
Threats: Fruit flies are found in unsanitary conditions, so they are a potential health concern, especially when present in health facilities.
Prevention: Fruit flies are best prevented through vigilant sanitation practices. To exercise proper fruit fly management, remove kitchen trash daily, and keep counter surfaces clean.

What are house flies?

Color: Black, brown, or yellowish
Shape: Hump-shaped thorax
Size: About 1/8 inch
Region: Found throughout U.S.
Habits: Adults can often be found in flowers or on larval food materials which consist of moist decaying organic matter. Because they frequent such unsanitary places, they may transport various disease-causing organisms to food materials. Adults have a peculiar habit of rapidly running across windows, TV screens, tables, walls and plant foliage.
Threats: Phorid flies can occur in large numbers and become a significant nuisance. They can potentially transmit disease organisms because they visit rotting foods and generally unclean areas. They can be particularly troublesome in hospital setting.
Prevention: The best way to control phorid flies is to control adults and to keep the drains clean using periodic cleaning. A pest management professional can use an enzyme to break down the film that is hospitable to phorid flies.

How do I get rid of flies?

If you are ready to get rid of flies from your property, reach out to the local pest control experts at Patriot Pest Management. Our customized services performed by our knowledgeable and friendly experts eliminate pests and stop them from coming back.

At Patriot Pest Management, we won’t hesitate to go the extra mile to ensure that our customers are happy and their properties are free of pests. For exceptional home pest control or commercial pest control services in the Greater Bay Area and surrounding counties of California, contact Patriot Pest Management today!