Dealing with Flesh Flies: Prevention, Identification, and Control In Houston
Flies are insects that belong to the order Diptera which are common pests. Flesh flies are troublesome types that belong to the Sarcophagidae family, which contains approximately 2,000 different species with more than 300 found in the U.S.
Flesh flies appear similar to house flies, but have larger bodies that often measure from 1/3 to ¼ of an inch long and have three black lines on their thorax rather than four. Flesh flies usually have red eyes and may have a red or brown marking on their abdomen.
Although people are most likely to encounter flesh flies outdoors, they will sometimes enter homes. Flesh flies are largely drawn to locations that provide them with sources of food and their preferred sites for breeding. Adults primarily consume liquids derived from animals or animal wastes as well as nectar. Flesh flies generally breed in manure, garbage, or the carcasses of animals.
Are you struggling with bothersome and potentially dangerous flies? The best solution begins with contacting a local pest management professional. A local provider of fly pest control in Houston is familiar with these pests and understands the best ways of handling them.
The Life Cycle Of Flesh Flies: Their Reproduction And Habits
Flesh flies are among the most problematic types of small flies found in greater Houston.
Flesh fly mating often occurs in the spring and the life cycle has four different phases or stages (complete metamorphosis) : eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults. Flesh flies are ovoviviparous, meaning that the eggs remain inside the mother’s body. Next, larvae emerge from the eggs and females will position them in areas of decomposing flesh, rotting meat, or manure where they feed for several days.
During the subsequent pupal stage, these creatures remain somewhat dormant entering a diapause state before emerging as adults in approximately two weeks. As adults, flesh flies might live for up to one month.
Health Concerns Associated With Flesh Flies: Risks And Implications
In outdoor environments, flesh flies represent a minimal human health risk; however, they are significantly more dangerous when indoors. Flesh flies do not bite humans but could infest active wounds and cause infection among humans and their pets. As they travel indoors, flesh flies will contaminate food and surfaces and may carry tiny parasites. Flesh flies are associated with salmonellosis, E. coli, and various other health-related concerns.
Preventing Flesh Flies: Tips For A Clean And Fly-Free Environment
What are some of the most effective ways to prevent flesh flies? The majority of preventative measures involve performing diligent cleaning tasks and conducting regular household maintenance work as follows:
- Inspect the exterior walls of the property for any cracks or crevices that might allow entry and fill them with durable sealant.
- Promptly repair or replace damaged window screens.
- Those with dogs should promptly remove waste from the yard.
- All trash bags containing food scraps placed outdoors should remain in sealed garbage receptacles.
These preventative measures are only some of the best practices. Consult with an experienced pest management professional for additional information. A qualified fly control company is familiar with the different types of flies that exist in the Houston area and understands how to get rid of flesh flies completely.
Flesh Fly Removal: Calling In The Experts
Are you a homeowner in need of an experienced Houston home pest control company? Modern Pest Control is a well-established pest management company that has been operating in this industry for more than 60 years. We will deliver results for property owners facing problems involving flies and many other types of undesirable pests.
We are among the organizations that have achieved the QualityPro certification. Those who earn QualityPro status exceed the minimal standards, demonstrate professionalism, and emphasize safety. The certification originated through the Foundation for Professional Pest Management and is further supported by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA).
Modern Pest Control also offers three ongoing pest control plans for homeowners in the Houston Area. Our Modern Plus Service features quarterly treatment visits from our qualified technicians. This year-round pest control plan features a service guarantee and includes protection from ants, cockroaches, silverfish, crickets, and several other burdensome pests.
Our Signature Service plan includes the comprehensive protection offered in our Modern Plus Plan in addition to a host of upgrades. For example, we will provide high-quality termite control with the Sentricon System, which uses the latest Always Activity technology. Our most comprehensive plan is the Signature Plus Service package, which includes all of the features of the aforementioned plans. In addition, homeowners will appreciate our ongoing mosquito control option that helps limit the population of these dangerous creatures on your property from March through November.
Contact our office today for further details.