Flies

Pest Fly Species

Houseflies are not only the most annoying of pests, but can also cause the transmission of diseases, and so should be eradicated wherever possible.

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Housefly control is more difficult than it appears and involves more than the use of a fly swatter. Proper housefly control requires several steps to be carried out, and this is something Flick Anticimex can help with.

Common fly species:

The first step to controlling flies is to identify the type infesting your property. Different species of flies means differing control methods. The following are popular pest flies found in Australia:

NameDescription
BlowflyVery distinct because of their shiny green colour, the blowfly can be found near any type of fresh meat or road kill. The meat of dead animals is essential for their growth from larvae to adult. Blowflies are also attracted to plants that give off smells resembling rotting meat and are therefore good pollinators.
Fruit FlyIn Australia, we have to types of fruit flies: the Mediterranean Fruit Fly (found in WA) and the Queensland Fruit Fly (found in NT, QLD, some parts of NSW, and the eastern corner of VIC). You’ll most likely find these types of flies around canneries, breweries, wineries, and fruit and vegetable markets/stores. They’re attracted to fruits and vegetables, particularly fermenting materials and fruits/vegetables containing yeast.
House FlyThe most widespread and annoying flying indoors pest as they circle around food, attempting to contaminate it with the diseases they carry (e.g. salmonella, hepatitis, cholera, dysentery and poliomyelitis). They are carriers of human diseases as at their larvae stage, they feed on manure, food waste, lawn clippings, and decaying vegetable and animal matter.
Moth FlyFound in grease traps and sewage treatment works as this is where they breed their larvae. When in the right conditions, the moth fly is a prolific breeder. In the home, you can find these flies around bathrooms, in damp subfloors, in greenhouses and in other locations where moisture and decay are present. Identifying this fly is easy as they resemble mini bats.
When are flies most active?

Flies are most active in sunny conditions, as this is also when they lay their eggs (population depends heavily on seasonal and climatic conditions).

Why are flies pests?
  • Flies can detect food sources up to 800 metres away.
  • The same fly that feeds on rubbish and animal faeces can land on your food.
  • Female house flies tend to lay their eggs in damp areas close to food supplies. In their single lifetime, female houseflies can produce up to 2,000 eggs, and each batch of eggs contains 75 to 150 eggs. These eggs quickly become larvae in 24 hours.
  • Flies also defecate every four to five minutes on average and are known to carry more than 100 pathogens. Diseases like typhoid, tuberculosis, cholera and dysentery can be transmitted by flies.
Do I need professional fly control?

Flick Anticimex’s pest control experts can identify the flies plaguing your property. We’ll carry out an inspection that enables breeding sites to be identified, removed and cleaned up. Your technician will also identify any structural issues your home is suffering from, such as damaged weather stripping or torn screens that flies may be exploiting to enter your home. The next step involves the elimination of all adult flies. Depending on the specifics, fly traps, baits, or insecticide might be used. Flick Anticimex has a full range of tools on hand and your technician will be able to select and apply the most appropriate remedy.

Fly control tips:
  • Keep all entry points sealed, and all windows and doors closed. If possible, install properly fitting fly screens to ensure flies can’t enter when the front door, back door or windows are open.
  • Ensure your garbage bins and compost bins are closed at all times and have properly fitting lids. This is so flies can’t enter and lay their eggs.
  • If you have pets, clean up after them efficiently as faeces attract flies.
  • Do not leave food outside (including pet food, where possible), and when eating outdoors, use covers for your foods.

Many homeowners find it less stressful and time-consuming to contact their local Flick Anticimex office to control house flies instead of trying to handle the problem on their own. The first step is to schedule a home inspection with a technician by calling 13 14 40.

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