House Flies

House Flies

Fly is the common name used to refer to a range of insects that includes fruit flies, blow flies (blue bottles/green bottles) and mosquitoes.

The common housefly and bluebottle are the flies that most frequently causes a nuisance in the home.

However all flies are problematic as they carry bacteria and can transmit diseases via body hairs, sticky pads on the feet and through saliva and faeces.

What do Houseflies Look Like?

The housefly is 6-7 mm long, with the female usually larger than the male.

The female can be distinguished by the relatively wide space between the eyes (in males, the eyes almost touch).

The head of the adult fly has reddish eyes and sponging mouthparts.

The thorax bears four narrow black stripes and there is a sharp upward bend in the fourth longitudinal wing vein.

The abdomen is grey or yellowish with a dark midline and irregular dark markings on the sides.

The underside of the male is yellowish.

Where do They Live?

Houseflies are commonly found where people work or live because of the warmer environment and ready supply of food.

Bluebottles, which are larger than the common housefly, are also often found in human environments, and are particularly attracted by meat and decaying materials.

Where do They Come From?

House fly eggs are laid in moist or rotting matter such as household rubbish, compost or manure.

Once hatched, flies can reach maturity in a very short period of time depending on temperature.

A female fly can lay up to 900 eggs during her one to three months of adult life.

Common houseflies have a flight range of several miles and can easily transfer from breeding grounds to the home.

A sudden appearance of bluebottles in the home normally indicates that a small animal (rodent or bird) has died - possibly under the floorboards or up a chimney.

Why do Flies Come Indoors?

Houseflies and bluebottles come indoors looking for food.

They are not fussy what sort of food they settle on, and are likely to be highly active once indoors.

Female bluebottles are easily able to find sources of suitable food and are often found in domestic kitchens.

Because of the way flies feed and where they are may have come from before settling on the food, it is best to make sure that food is covered, to avoid contamination.

Can They Cause Harm?

Bluebottles and houseflies go from filth to food in a short time carrying diseases such as gastroenteritis (tummy bug), salmonella, cholera and typhoid and they can also transmit intestinal worms.

How can I Prevent Housefly Infestation?

The best ways of controlling and avoiding housefly infestations are good hygiene and taking a number of simple precautions to prevent their entry to the home.

Drains should be cleaned frequently, particularly near kitchens, and waste bins should be covered to avoid providing ideal breeding conditions for flies.

How Can I Get Rid of Houseflies?

Insecticidal control using fly sprays (“knock down” sprays, available at most supermarkets) is a good, almost instant, way of dealing with flies in your property.

Remove dead flies immediately and remember not to use insecticide near food and preparation surfaces.

Insecticide may also be harmful to household pets and humans should not inhale it.

Insecticide is extremely harnful to fish.

Flypapers, while unsightly, are another solution.

Specialist electric ultra-violet fly killers controll flies, however their efficiency can be affected by where they are placed.

Seek professional advice from the Council’s Environmental Health Service if you require any assistance.

Warning: Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use.