Flies

There are over 120,000 species of flies worldwide. Many are considered pests because they pose a health risk to humans, pets and livestock through the spread of food poisoning, dysentry and diarrhoea. Flies can infest your home or business and spread diseases like Salmonella and E. coli. A few species may even bite humans and animals.

Please find further information below on some of the common types of flies found in our district:

House Fly

The commonest flying pest in buildings. A prolific breeder and feeder among refuse and excrement from which it flies to human food. In a hot summer, the egg to adult life cycle takes only 10 days. Overwinters as a brown pupa.

Flies carry and spread a wide range of gastro enteric illnesses and food poisoning organisms. In warm countries these include diphtheria, cholera and dysentery.

Bluebottle

 

Bluebottles, Greenbottles and Flesh Flies are characterised by their large size, buzzing flight and iridescent sheen. They are attracted to meat and fish product, upon which they lay their eggs (or 'Blow' their maggots) as well as feed.

Notorious disease carriers and spoilers of food. Their maggots sometimes travel in large numbers from refuse or carrion, into buildings.

Fruit Fly

 

Also known as Vinegar flies, these very small, red-eyed flies have a slow hovering flight with their abdomen hanging downwards. Various species breed among over-ripe fruit, fermenting liquids, peelings, dregs and residues of drinks. Their eggs are often cemented firmly inside bottles.

Not major disease carriers, but an unacceptable form of contamination in public houses, drinks factories, fruit warehouses, dairies, bottling plants and similar premises.

Control Measures

 

Control of flies can be achieved in various ways. For commercial establishments proofing of window and door openings can keep out adult flies. The use of ultra violet electronic fly killers is also suitable.

Other methods for use in domestic premises include knock down insecticide sprays and slow release hanging strips.

 

Arrange Pest Control Treatment

 

Professional treatment can be carried out by our preferred contractor  AGS One Pest Control. To get a quote and arrange treatment please contact them either by telephoning 01304 759033 or by emailing pestcontrol@agsone.co.uk