Pest Control Guide to Flies

 Fly/Flies

There are over 3,000 species of flies (Diptera) in Ireland alone. Each species prefers different habitats and food sources, so may be present in your home or business for different reasons.

Cluster flies may be gathering on your window or sky light for warmth, scuttle flies may be rising from your drainage system, fruit-flies may be attracted to some fermenting fruit, houseflies may be feeding on some veg, and blowflies/bluebottles may have stumbled across some fallen meat.

If it’s an infestation of flies then there will always be source, resolving this is always essential to eradicating flies permanently.

Dangers:

Flies can pose several dangers due to their ability to carry and transmit harmful pathogens. Some of the main dangers of flies include:

1. Transmission of Diseases: Flies are known to carry and spread a variety of harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites. They can contaminate food, surfaces, and living spaces by landing on them after being exposed to waste, decaying matter, or feces. Diseases associated with flies include food poisoning, dysentery, cholera, typhoid, and salmonella.

2. Contamination of Food: Flies are attracted to decaying organic matter, waste, and food. As they land on food, they can deposit bacteria from their bodies, saliva, and feces, which can lead to foodborne illnesses.

3. Allergic Reactions: Some flies, such as the housefly, can carry allergens that can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. These allergens are typically found in their body parts, saliva, or feces.

4. Nasty Bites: Some flies, such as biting flies (e.g., horseflies, black flies, and stable flies), can bite humans and animals, causing irritation, itching, and sometimes infections from bacteria introduced through the bite.

5. Secondary Infections: In addition to spreading harmful bacteria, flies can also be vectors for fungi and other pathogens that can lead to secondary infections, particularly in open wounds.

How to avoid flies:

Good housekeeping is always a great first step. Clean behind appliances and kickbaords where food waste may get stuck, regularly empty and clean bins, keep outside bins well sealed. Make sure your drains are free of waste and ensure they flow with water regularly (stagnant water can cause fly infestations). Seal small gaps around windows and doorframes, and consider nets or screens for windows and doors which are regularly open.

How to get rid of flies:

Given the vast variety of flies, knowing your enemy can make life a lot easier. Size, colour and location can often assist in this. There may be clues; perhaps there was rodent activity previously and now there is a smell and flies - this is likely blowflies/bluebootles drawn to a carcass. Or you have noticed flies gathering or ‘clustering’ in 1 or 2 window frames (cluster flies). Or perhaps they’re near a particular drain, water, or food source. Once you’ve identified the fly type you can better understand why they are there. Removing the source, food, water, or habitat will ensure long term success. If you’re dealing with drain flies you will need to examine your gullies, drains, pipe seals and plumbing and repair accordingly. Lastly, once the source is removed over the counter methods like electric killers, sticky tapes and sprays will slowly become more effective. But for a rapid knockdown service pest control services are available.

Pest control treatment for flies:

If you're struggling with flies in your home or business, APS offers professional fly control services with thorough inspections and rapid fly removal. Our expert team provides instant knockdown treatments for all types of flies, including houseflies, cluster flies, and drain flies. We also offer specialised spray and sealing solutions to tackle cluster and drain fly infestations, ensuring long-lasting results and peace of mind.