Green Flies in the House – A Sudden Invasion
I awoke one morning to an unwelcome sight: a swarm of green flies had descended upon my home. They buzzed around the windows, filled the corners of my kitchen, and even landed on my breakfast bowl. It was an invasion of the most annoying kind, and I was determined to find out where they came from and how to get rid of them.
As I searched for answers, I learned that these uninvited guests are commonly known as house flies or blow flies. They’re attracted to food, waste, and moisture, and can reproduce rapidly in warm, humid conditions. It didn’t take long for me to identify the source of my problem: a forgotten bag of fruit in the corner of my pantry had spoiled, creating a breeding ground for these pests.
Identifying and Understanding House Flies
House flies are typically 4-8 mm in length with grayish bodies and four dark stripes on their thorax. They have large compound eyes that allow them to see in almost all directions. House flies are strong fliers and can cover long distances in search of food and breeding sites.
Blow flies, a type of house fly, are slightly larger and have a more metallic sheen to their bodies. They are known for their ability to lay eggs on decaying organic matter, which makes them important in the decomposition process.
Lifecycle and Habits of House Flies
House flies have a short lifespan of about 30 days. They undergo complete metamorphosis, progressing through the stages of egg, larva (maggot), pupa, and adult. Female flies can lay up to 1000 eggs at a time, and the larvae hatch within 24 hours. Maggots feed on decaying organic matter, while adult flies feed on a variety of liquids, including human food and waste.
House flies are most active during the day, especially in warm, humid weather. They are attracted to light and often gather near windows and doorways. During the winter months, house flies typically enter a dormant state known as diapause.
Preventing and Controlling Green Flies
The key to preventing and controlling green flies is to eliminate their breeding grounds. This means keeping your home clean and free of food waste, garbage, and other potential breeding sites. Here are some tips to help you keep flies out of your house:
- Clean up spills and messes immediately. Don’t leave food or drinks out for long periods of time.
- Dispose of garbage regularly. Keep garbage cans covered and clean them regularly.
- Keep drains clean. Flies can breed in moist, dirty drains. Pour boiling water down drains regularly to kill any larvae.
- Use fly traps and repellents. Fly traps can help to catch flies, and there are a variety of repellents available that can help to keep flies away.
- Seal up cracks and holes. Flies can enter your home through cracks and holes in walls, windows, and doors. Seal up any openings to prevent flies from getting inside.
Expert Advice and Tips for Green Fly Control
In addition to the general tips above, here are some additional expert advice and tips for controlling green flies:
- Vacuum regularly. Vacuuming can help to remove fly eggs and larvae from carpets and furniture.
- Use essential oils. Some essential oils, such as peppermint and eucalyptus, have fly-repelling properties. Diffusing these oils in your home can help to keep flies away.
- Make your own fly sprays. There are a number of effective fly sprays that you can make at home using vinegar, water, and essential oils.
- Call a professional pest control company. If you’re unable to control flies on your own, you may want to call a professional pest control company.
FAQ on Green Flies
- Q: What attracts green flies to my house?
- A: Green flies are attracted to food, waste, and moisture. They may enter your home through open windows, doors, or cracks in walls or foundations.
- Q: How do I know if I have a green fly infestation?
- A: Signs of a green fly infestation include seeing flies in your home, finding fly eggs or larvae, or noticing a foul odor.
- Q: How can I get rid of green flies?
- A: To get rid of green flies, eliminate their breeding grounds, keep your home clean, use fly traps and repellents, and seal up cracks and holes.
- Q: Are green flies harmful?
- A: Green flies can carry and transmit bacteria, which can cause illness. It’s important to keep your home clean and free of flies to prevent the spread of disease.
Conclusion
Green flies can be a nuisance, but they can also pose a health risk. By following the tips and advice outlined in this article, you can learn how to prevent and control green flies in your home. If you’re struggling to control flies on your own, don’t hesitate to call a professional pest control company for assistance.
Are you interested in learning more about green flies or other household pests? Check out our other articles for more tips and advice on keeping your home pest-free.
