Fly Control

Housefly

If you hear the constant sound of buzzing around your property, it is most likely a housefly. Also known by the name musca domestica, houseflies are 5-8mm in length, with a yellow abdomen and grey thorax presenting narrow stripes. Houseflies are attracted to decaying meat, fruits, vegetables, and faeces. The World Health Organisation reveals they are carriers of diarrhoeal diseases, skin infections and eye infections, such as cholera, tuberculosis, and conjunctivitis. Houseflies do not bite and instead, transmit these diseases by contaminating the food and liquids we consume, rendering the pest particularly problematic for restaurant owners.

How to get rid of Houseflies

Preventative measures can be taken to reduce the presence of houseflies around your property. Common nesting spots for houseflies include bins, sheds, and excrement areas. Regularly cleaning these areas will help decrease the number of flies invading your property. Be sure to remove any rotten produce and sugary substances such as overripe fruit, spilt sugary drinks and alcohol.

While regular maintenance will help reduce the problem, the most efficient method in eradicating housefly infestations is to enlist a professional pest control company. Get in touch with us for a free quote and see how we can help you today.

Fruit Fly

Also known as Drosophila, fruit flies are around 3mm in length and can be identified by their black-grey abdomen, yellow thorax, red eyes, and transparent wings. In optimal temperatures, the lifespan of a fruit fly is around 40-50 days. Females can lay multiple batches of eggs, meaning fruit fly infestations can occur easily.

 How to Kill Fruit Flies

Fruit flies are often found hovering around areas exuding strong residues. This includes kitchen sinks, wheelie bins and drains. To reduce the risk of a fruit fly infestation, be sure to dispose of overripe or rotting produce and thoroughly clean all surfaces. If your pest problem persists, we recommend creating a DIY apple cider vinegar fly trap. To do this, fill a bowl with apple cider vinegar. Cover the bowl with cling film and poke tiny holes throughout the top. Unable to resist the apple cider’s sweet aroma, the pests will fly straight into the trap, unable to escape.

Please note that to wholly eliminate a fruit fly infestation, all nesting sites must be eradicated. The remaining flies can then be terminated using industry-level insecticides.

Fungus Gnats

Ever wondered what those tiny black flies hovering around your windows and plants are? Fungus gnats. Their larvae are 1cm long translucent worms who live in soil and potted plants. Fungus gnats can spawn all year round and common nesting spots include homes and greenhouses. In warm weather conditions, the life cycle of fungus gnats is around one to two weeks.

How to get rid of Tiny Black Flies

Fungus gnats are attracted to moist soil and prosper in damp composts containing concentrated levels of organic matter. Be sure not to overwater indoor plants as this can result in excessive mating. If your fungus gnat problem persists, try placing yellow sticky traps (available from garden centres) to prevent them from further nesting.

 Bluebottle Fly

Also known as calliphora vomitoria, bluebottle flies are 5-8mm in length and have a bright, metallic blue abdomen with black markings, red eyes, and transparent wings. They are attracted to household waste, pet faeces and dead animals and have a life span of two weeks.

Bluebottle flies thrive in warm and humid temperatures and are, therefore, not commonly found during the autumn and winter seasons.

How to Stop Flies Coming into the House 

Dispose of waste regularly and ensure there is no residual liquid inside the bin before throwing out additional waste.

Cluster Fly

The cluster fly is around 6-10mm in length and has a deep olive thorax covered in brown hairs. Cluster flies live outdoors in the summer and then seek shelter indoors as the winter months approach. They are often found in hard-to-reach areas like attic spaces and cavity walls and are regularly seen around window frames.

How to get rid of Cluster Flies

Cluster flies can enter the properties they choose to inhibit through tiny cracks. To prevent their entry, identify and fill any cracks found around walls, windows, and door frames.