House Fly Identification & Prevention

House flies are one of the most common types of flies that live worldwide. As their name suggests they are common invaders of homes and other structures. Adult house flies have dull gray bodies and four black vertical lines on the top of their bodies. They also have one velvety gold stripe and one velvety silver stripe on their face. Adults grow to between 1/8th and ¼ of an inch in length. They are also known for their large red eyes.

House fly larvae (maggots) have a greasy off-white-colored body and are legless. They are about the same size and shape as a grain of rice. They have a pointed dark-colored head and their body tapers larger toward the head.

House flies are filthy flies and can be dangerous to have in or around your home. House flies regurgitate their stomach contents onto the food they eat so they can liquefy it before eating. Before finding their way into your home, house flies were landing on and feeding upon garbage, excrement, carcasses, and other unsanitary things. They spread disease, bacteria, and parasites that they transfer to surfaces and food within homes. Cholera, diarrhea, dysentery, salmonella, and E.coli are all spread to people by house flies.

House flies live near the things that they lay their eggs on and feed on. Properties that offer them plenty of breeding and feeding sites are most attractive to house flies. House flies feed and breed in gardens, garbage cans, recycling bins, compost piles, animal excrement, and, unfortunately, food found in our kitchens.

House flies are active during the day. You will see them inside homes, congregating indoors on floors, walls, and ceilings in areas close to their food sources- kitchens and pantries. Outside, house flies gather together and fly around our yards and gardens, staying close to their breeding and feeding sites. Overnight house flies rest on walls and other surfaces up off of the ground.

Getting help from a professional pest control expert is the best way to eliminate house flies and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing affordable, safe, and effective home pest control services. We are a local, family-owned pest control company in Elizabeth City, NC, 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 house 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, recycling bins, and compost bins have tight-fitting lids.
• Clean food and other debris out of drains.
• Store food in the fridge or in containers with air-tight lids.
• Never leave food out on kitchen counters or tables.
• Keep kitchen counters and floors clean and free of spilled liquid and food debris.
• Wash dishes daily.
• Clean pet excrement from your yard daily.
• Maintain garden areas, picking up fruits and vegetables that have fallen to the ground.