Fly Identification & Prevention

What are flies?

Flies are common pests that live throughout the United States and can invade homes and businesses in large numbers. Flies are a pest, that when inside, should not be ignored for an extended period of time because of the many diseases and bacteria they are capable of spreading. a fruit fly inside of a home in gardner kansas

Some of the most common species of flies found in the Kansas City Metro area are fruit flies, fungus gnats, phorid flies, and sewer flies.

Fruit flies
Fruit flies have an oval-shaped body and are small in size. Adults only grow to about 1/8th of an inch long. They have large, bulging compound eyes that are usually red. Their bodies are yellowish-brown to brownish-black.

Fungus gnats
Fungus gnats are a tiny, frail species of fly. Fungus gnats have a mosquito-like appearance with a small body and long legs. Their bodies are grayish to black in color, and they have a unique Y-shaped pattern on their wings.

Phorid flies
Phorid flies, often called "humpbacked" flies, have an arched thorax giving them a humpbacked appearance. They are a very tiny species of fly, growing to between 1/16th and 1/8th of an inch long. These flies are dark brown to black, and they also have a very recognizable short and jerky flight pattern.

Sewer flies
Sewer flies, or "drain" flies as they are often called, are a small fly species. Adults grow to be 1.5mm to 5mm long. They are gray to black, and their bodies have a coating of fuzzy hair. They have large horizontal wings that are responsible for their short, frantic flight patterns.

Are flies dangerous?

Yes, flies are dangerous pests. They mainly breed in animal waste and decaying organic material, including animal carrion and food waste. The unsanitary environments they hang out in allow them to pick up bacteria and viruses that cause many diseases. Flies are very unhygienic and can cause serious health concerns for people inside of homes, hospitals, restaurants, grocery stores, food processing facilities, as well as other places where food is present.

Why do I have a fly problem?

Flies are attracted to properties with decaying vegetation, meat, excrement, fruits and vegetables, carrion, and fermenting liquids. Flies can be problematic on any property that offers them easy access to their favorite food, water, and shelter sources. Once flies are on your property they can easily find their way into your home through spaces around windows and doors, torn screens, and through cracks in the foundation and exterior walls.

Fruit flies regularly make their way into homes on infested fruits and vegetables purchased from the grocery store. Drain flies mate and lay eggs in areas of moisture or standing water. Their favorite breeding spot is in the "icky" debris that builds-up in drains.

Where will I find flies?

Outside, flies gather around food and water sources. They are often found in large numbers, buzzing around compost piles, gardens, clogged gutters, garbage bins, and animal excrement. Inside of homes and other buildings, flies invade kitchens, pantries, or other areas where food is stored. Drain flies feed and breed inside of sink and bathtub drains.

How do I get rid of flies?

To eliminate flies from your home and commercial property, partner with a professional pest control expert. At Augustine Exterminators we provide the advanced modern methods needed to solve your unique pest problems, and prevent future ones. Our trained and certified specialists offer homeowners effective and affordable fly control services. To learn more about the residential and commercial pest control services we provide throughout the Greater Kansas City area, call Augustine Exterminators today!

How can I prevent flies in the future?

Flies are difficult pests to guard against. There are some steps you can take to make your Kansas City Metro property less attractive to invasive flies.

  • Remove easy access to water by making sure gutters are maintained.

  • Inside, store food in the refrigerator or containers with air-tight lids.

  • Make sure window and door screens are intact.

  • Keep all of your drains clear of clogs.

  • Clean up after your pets daily.

  • Keep lids on trashcans and compost bins.

  • Place weather stripping around windows and doors.

  • Don’t leave fruits or vegetables in open containers, on counters, or tables.

  • Plant vegetable and fruit gardens a distance away from the outside walls of your home.

  • Eliminate entrance points by sealing cracks and crevices in the foundation and exterior walls.


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