Fly Control Services
Flies can be a problem all year round. A small fly problem can turn into a big infestation. Some properties in general can attract a large number flies inside as windows and doors are left open in those summer months. Flies can spread a number diseases such as E. coli, salmonella. A good natural way to keep numbers low is to purchase some red top fly traps which uses a non toxic bait. To Protect your property further you should install fly screens to windows and doors and install an electric fly killer inside your house.
Large scale infestations will require a professional to help achieve all round control. This is a list of insects below are the most common flies I usually get called out for.
cluster fly
- Found in Europe and the UK lives outdoors in the summer, but may enter buildings in the autumn to hibernate in the large numbers clustering in the loft spaces and around windows mainly south facing and being a severe problem.
Biology - eggs laid on damp soil or beneath leaves. Larvae seek earthworms as parasites then pupate and turn into a adult. Can have two generations a year.
Importance - cluster fly do not breed inside a building when they enter. Only to hibernate. They can produce a sickly smell when present. In my experience when dealing with cluster flies bats may be present in the loft space. Cluster flies will usually return to the same building each year as they leave a scent behind which their offspring will return.
control - full survey will be carried prior to treatment. A slight fogging with an insecticide will be carried out in loft and treatment to effected windows.
Blowflies (bluebottle, greenbottle, flesh fly)
Habitat - breed on dead carcasses or meat products. They can be found associated with human activities.
Biology - eggs are laid in clusters on products or dead animal carcasses. These eggs will hatch in a day. The larvae will burrow into the decaying food supply and creating cavities and naturally breaking it down with their own enzymes. pupation takes place in the soil and adults emerge two weeks later.
Importance - potential disease transmission and food spoilage. Infestations can occur in domestic houses if rodent control has been carried out when the carcasses attract flies. Can be a problem in meat processing plants, commercial canteens and food preparation areas.
Common house fly
Habitat - common house flies are often found in a association with human activity. Can travel several miles. Breeding on vegetable matter or animal faeces.
Biology - rapid reproduction up to 150 are laid on suitable sites and will hatch in about 48 hours. After 4 weeks they will develop into adult flies.
Importance - can spread diseases such as typhoid. Spoilage of food and a nuisance. Can be a severe problem in animal units and refuse tips.
A house fly infestation in a domestic property can be alarming the first thing you want to do is isolate any breeding and feeding sites in particular in your kitchen covering any food sources and inspecting the bin for any decaying food sources and cleaning up animal faeces. Good hygiene is very important here.
Fruit fly
habitat - common outdoors and feed on sap or rotting fruit on the ground. may come indoors to breed when humans produce favourable conditions. They will breed on rotting vegetable matter, fruit, sour milk and even beer.
Biology - rapid reproduction 20 eggs per day laid. The whole life cycle will depend on the temperature 30 degrees is optimum. Larval stages can survive cold temperatures at 9 degrees for up to 6 months.
Importance - disease transmission and severe nuisance.
Control - removing and covering breeding sites and good hygiene to start with. Any food goods should be stored in a dry place. Any drains and gullies should be be kept clean of food debris. Certain insecticide treatments will help with control.
Drain fly
What causes drain flies? Drain flies are attracted to stagnant water such as sinks and showers where bacteria sludge can build up and water has been standing for some time. Poor maintenance of drain pipes can cause this.
drain flies can be harmful to health as they spread bacteria possibly by cross contamination. They do not bite so you do not have to be to concerned. Drain flies will be seen resting on walls or above sinks and drains.
Biology - Female will lay eggs in small groups up to 100 eggs. Eggs will be laid on the organic matter inside the pipe. Larvae will feed on bacteria and sludge and will have three moults before pupation.
Control - Natural ways to control is by using baking soda and vineger or boiling water to try and remove breeding sites. Also common drain cleaners can be used to remove breeding sites and clean out the pipes. Be careful some of these products contain costic chemicals and can damage your drains. Higher infestations will possibly require fumigation/fogging.
At Absolute Vermination, we understand the dangers of fly infestations and the potential health risks they pose through cross contamination. Our expert team is dedicated to efficiently removing flies from your property using a combination of chemical products, hygiene advice, and fly monitoring.
Protect Your Property From Flies
Don't let flies compromise the health and safety of your home or business. Take action today!