Are Houston Phorid Flies Dangerous?

If you've been living in Houston for a time, you are no stranger to the many pest flies that call Houston home. When spring and summer arrive, these flies can be difficult to stop from swarming around your house, making any outdoor activity a nightmare—and a considerable nuisance if allowed indoors.

However, of all the fly species that call Houston home, phorid flies are arguably the most dangerous. While all fly infestations carry some potential dangers, phorid flies can spread some of the worst diseases, and cause severe reactions in the humans they come into contact with.

Their danger factor is mostly due to their attraction to rotting food, animal droppings, animal carcasses, and various other foul substances found around drains, sewers, and other high-moisture areas. The larvae of these flies are even known to eat necrotic flesh on hospital patients. They can then potentially take their infections with them to any other humans they come into contact with.

Once they've landed on dead or decaying organic matter, phorid flies pick up bacteria from these sources. They then spread it to any other people or animals they land on. Worse, when they land on food items, they'll vomit digestive juices onto them to break them down for consumption. If you take a bite after a phorid fly has been there, you could be in for a rough time.

Some potential diseases and bacteria phorid flies can spread include:

• Conjunctivitis

• Gastroenteritis

• Salmonellosis

• Tuberculosis

• Rotavirus

• Hepatitis A

• Typhoid fever

• Cholera

• Dysentery

While not all of these diseases are as big a threat in western countries as they pose in other parts of the world, phorid flies should still be considered a serious health hazard. They can't be allowed into your home or around your family.

The various dangers phorid flies can bring to Houston homes make up a big part of the reason why preventing them is so essential.

If you’re concerned about phorid flies invading your Houston home, use the following strategies to keep them out:

• Dispose of overripe fruits and vegetables in an exterior bin.

• Don’t leave food out in the open and clean up plates and dishes after every meal.

• Regularly vacuum the floor for crumbs and clean up spilled drinks immediately. 

• Make sure to repair leaky faucets, pipes, and other water sources around the home.

• Ensure your gutters are draining correctly and taking all excess rainwater away from the home's exterior.

• Seal any holes or crevices present in your home’s walls, siding, and foundation.

• Keep exterior doors, and windows closed when not in use and install door and window screens.

• Take out the trash regularly and keep it sealed in tight-fitting plastic containers.

• Clean up pet droppings (both indoors and outdoors) immediately and replace the sand in cat litter boxes regularly.

As always, the best and most effective way to ensure your Houston home is free of phorid flies is by enlisting the help of a qualified pest control company.

At Modern Pest Control, we have decades of experience dealing with pest threats of all shapes and sizes. We also have the tools to make any pest problem a thing of the past. If you're worried about a phorid fly problem in your Houston home, don’t wait, contact us today for an inspection and keep your home and family pest-free for the future!