A fly buzzes by your face. It flies by again, and again, and you start to swat uncontrollably at the relentless pest. You’re probably thinking it must be the common housefly, but did you know there are over 13,000 species of flies? While that number may cause you to cringe, there are only four main species here in Connecticut that pest control companies typically deal with: fungus gnats, phorid, fruit, and drain flies.
If these types of CT pests are continuously bugging you, call Richland Pest & Bee today so we can provide proper insect control services! Flies can certainly be an annoyance so let’s get to know these famed flies. Below are details about where they live, what they eat, and what you can do to prevent these Connecticut insects:
Home: Drains, under slabs, in between cracks and areas behind kitchen appliances.
Traits: They skip to get around rather than crawl. These CT pests are also known as coffin flies as they can breed inside mausoleum vaults and caskets.
Home: Fresh supplies, like fluids and organic matter, which they feed on. Don’t leave these types of objects around as they could allow fruit flies to become a major household pest.
Traits: Bright red eyes, can breed even in a tiny grape. Transform from maggot to adult in a speedy 7-14 days.
Home: An aqueous environment such as anywhere there is standing water and of course drains.
Traits: Dark gray to tan with parallel veins on wings. Pose a health threat as they can breed in vast numbers in sewage treatment plants.
Home: Potted plants inside the house, window ledges.
Traits: As small as 0.5 mm to 4 mm with long thin legs. Can produce multiple generations in a single year.
All of these flies are attracted to light, food, moisture, and heat. Household bug prevention for these CT pests is based around controlling those four elements.
Especially when doors are left open in the warmer months, it is important to install screens and weather strips. It is best to keep doors closed whenever possible, as most of these small flies can get through regular screens. Make sure to clean under equipment, especially in the kitchen or laundry room. Take out trash frequently, and make sure to clean the barrel if there is a spill. A common misconception is to pour bleach down drains to get rid of flies. Insect eggs and larvae can endure the effects of bleach! There are many things you can do to curb a fly infestation, but professionals have the equipment and chemicals to treat them once they have made your house or business their home.
Sources: “Adventures in Small Fly Control”, “Tiny Detective Work”, and “Understand the Hot Spots” by Marisa Fernandez in Pest Control Technology November 2016 issue
