Fly Identification
What are flies?
We all know flies as those annoying pests that find their way into our homes, where they buzz around our kitchens and heads, but did you know that these nuisance pests are ecologically important? Depending on the species, they act as predators, prey, parasites, and sometimes pollinators. Most flies are scavengers and help speed up the process of breaking down decaying matter that is found outside in nature.
Though they are a valuable part of the ecosystem, flies are unwelcome, dangerous pests when they decide to move into our homes and businesses. Flies are prolific breeders and will, without haste, take over any space that provides them with food and breeding sites.
Are flies dangerous?
When it comes to flies, the biggest concern is that before they found a way into your home or business, they were more than likely in an unsanitary environment. As flies scavenge for food or lay their eggs on top of decaying organic matter, they pick up pathogens and parasites that can affect people’s health. Flies are vectors of many diseases, and having them inside a structure with people can be dangerous.
In addition to spreading diseases and bacteria to surfaces and contaminating food, some flies bite. Not only are fly bites painful, but they are capable of spreading some diseases through their saliva. A fly bite also leaves an opening in your skin that can cause a secondary infection to develop that requires medical attention.
Why do I have a fly problem?
Flies are prolific breeders, with most able to successfully develop large populations either outside or inside our homes or businesses. When the environmental conditions are right, flies breed and grow into adults very quickly. Most flies do best in warm weather, which is why flies are around in their largest numbers in the late spring, summer, and fall months.
If there are moisture and decaying organic matter in your yard, flies will take advantage; once they live successfully in your yard near your home, it is easy for them to wind up inside. Flies come in through open windows, vents, cracks in the foundation, and gaps around windows and doors.
Where will I find flies?
Flies use many places as feeding and breeding sites. Some of the fly’s most popular hangouts are listed below.
- Kitchens, indoor eating areas, outdoor eating areas
- Gardens
- Garbage cans and recycling bins
- Compost piles and animal excrement
- Clogged drains and wet drywall
- Bodies of water like pools and lakes
How do I get rid of flies?
Get rid of pesky flies from your residential or commercial property with the help of McCary Pest Control. We have been serving Tupelo and surrounding areas for nearly 50 years. We are a locally owned and operated company that knows how to meet the needs of our customers. We will work with you to rid your property of flies and other common household pests through our eco-friendly products and reliable services.
If you are a home or business owner in the Tupelo area looking for exceptional pest control services, reach out to McCary Pest Control today!
How can I prevent flies in the future?
Partnering with a professional is key to ensuring that the pests on your property are identified accurately, and effective treatments are performed so a re-infestation won't occur.
The following tips are additional ways you can help to protect your property from flies:
- Make sure outdoor trash cans and compost bins have tight-fitting lids on them. If possible, store both away from the outside perimeter of your home.
- If you own pets, make sure to pick up their waste daily.
- Keep indoor and outdoor kitchen and dining areas free of food debris.
- Don’t store produce out on counters; keep it in the refrigerator.
- Regularly clean out drains.
- Fix leaky outdoor fixtures or hoses that allow water to pool near your home.
- Do not keep doors propped open and keep screens in open windows and doors.
Learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control services.
