House flies have one pair of membranous wings and their hind wings are modified as halteres ( club shaped balancing organs). They have sucking mouthparts which can be either piercing or non-piercing, large compound eyes and tarsi (segmented sections like feet on the ends of their legs).

 

The common housefly adults are 6-8mm long with a wingspan of 13-15mm, a grey thorax (the part of the body between the head and abdomen) with four longitudinal dark stripes.

 

The lesser housefly adult is 6mm long with a 12mm wingspan, a grey thorax and three longitudinal stripes which are less pronounced than those of the common housefly.

 

 

Common houseflies flit about from place to place with a flight range of at least 8km (5 miles). They are highly active indoors. In colder climates, breeding usually ceases before the winter, however in warmer environments, they remain active and breed throughout the year.

 

Lesser houseflies are frequently encountered around poultry houses. They have erratic flight patterns and are often seen flying around light fittings in large numbers. The lesser housefly is more tolerant of cooler conditions than the common housefly.

 

 

Houseflies can transmit intestinal worms and/or their eggs and are potential vectors (carriers) of diseases such as dysentery, gastroenteritis, typhoid cholera and tuberculosis. They feed frequently and indiscrimately on any liquefiable solid or moist food, putrefying material or food stored for human consumption.

 

Flies liquefy food by regurgitating digestive juices and their stomach contents on the food substance. This liquid is then drawn up by the sucking mouthparts and in so doing the insects pick up pathogenic organisms, which may collect on hteir bodies to be transferred on contact with other surfaces, or survive being passed through the gut to be deposited as fly spotting. Fly spotting is produced when the fly feeds or defecates.

 

 

Flies have rapid and prolific breeding habits and high mobility. In order to break the life-cycle, control methods should be directed against both the larvae and the adult flies.

Occasionally, the problem of flies may be localised e.g. from a dead bird or rodent.

 

 

Good housekeeping is essential to limit the number of potential breeding sites.

 

Domestic Refuse:- this must be stored in sealed bins for early removal to disposal sites. Food waste should be sealed in bags at all times. Compost heaps should be covered or in purpose built containers. This will minimise larvae emergence and promote fermentation temperatures at which the larvae can not survive.

 

Farm Manure:- this should be kept as dry as possible, especially in poultry houses where leaking water feeders can provide ideal, moist breeding conditions. The biothermic method of storing dung involves compacting manure into a cuboid stack which promotes uniform, persistent fermentation throughout the dung which is lethal to the larvae.

 

Dead bird or rodent:- if possible, locate and remove the dead rodent or bird, although this could prove difficult finding the body.  Use a strong air freshener or rodent deodorant to mask the smell.

 

 

In order to obtain the best results, insecticidal control measures should be integrated with good hygiene.  A knock down fly spray or fly paper can be used, ensuring you follow the manufacturers instructions.

DO NOT SPRAY ANY CHEMICALS NEAR FOOD, CHILDREN OR ANIMALS. ALSO COVER FISH TANKS WHEN USING SPRAYS.

 

Please be advised that we are not responsible for any injury or damage caused where persons carry out treatment themselves.  Ensure you follow the manufacturers instructions carefully when using any product. Keep insecticide away from children and animals and ensure it is stored safely.