Blow Fly Identification & Prevention

Blow flies are a type of filth flies. Females lay their eggs on carrion, excrement, and other decaying matter. After the eggs hatch, the larvae use the carrion as a food source. These flies look similar to house flies but grow larger in size (1/8th and 5/8th of an inch in length) and have a very metallic appearance. Their coloration varies- blue, green, gold, or black.The blow fly’s worm-like larvae are pale yellow to white in color, are eyeless, and are legless. Their back end is larger and rounder than their tapered head, and they have hook-like mouthparts.

Blow flies are dangerous flies to have live in or near your home. These flies are constantly landing on excrement, decaying organic matter, decaying pieces of meat, and dead animals. There is a high number of bacteria and parasites that live on their bodies and legs. As they fly and move around your home, they contaminate food and surfaces, spreading things that cause diarrhea, cholera, tularemia, and other serious diseases.

Blow flies have the potential to be a problem at any time of the year. They choose yards and homes that offer them a place to lay their eggs and feed. These flies also move inside while foraging for food through spaces around windows and doors and cracks in exterior walls or foundations.

Blow flies live outside together in groups gathering around their feeding and breeding sites. Gardens with decaying vegetables and fruits, yards with animal feces, trash cans, and compost piles are all places blow flies gather. Inside homes, they breed behind walls, in crawl spaces, or under floors. The females lay their eggs in dead rodents or other animals that have found their way into your home and died.

Getting help from a professional home pest control expert is the best way to eliminate blow flies and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing affordable, safe, and effective pest control services in Elizabeth City. We are a local, family-owned pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations. For home or business owners looking to eliminate pests from their property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

Pests are not just a nuisance; they pose potential health risks and are capable of damaging property. Avoid problems with blow flies with the help of the following prevention tips.

• Keep doors and windows closed as much as possible.
• Repair ripped screens.
• Make sure trash cans and compost bins have tight-fitting lids on them.
• Regularly clean out and sanitize trash cans.
• Keep lids on trash cans inside of your home.
• Store food in the fridge or containers with air-tight lids.
• Never leave food out on kitchen counters or tables.
• Clean pet excrement from your yard daily.
• Maintain garden areas picking up fallen fruits and vegetables.