FLYING INSECTS

Cluster Fly

Description:

At about 9mm long, the cluster fly is slightly larger than the common house fly. The thorax is dark olive grey, with fine golden hairs which can easily be rubbed off. There are no distinct lines or stripes behind the head and the abdomen has irregular light and dark grey areas.

Biology:

The female lays eggs in the soil near the burrows of earthworms. The tiny maggots that hatch from the eggs seek out earthworms to feed upon. As cold weather progresses, adults seek protected places to spend the winter, particularly during September and October (activity can often be noted again in early spring). In many cases the flies seek shelter within walls, roof voids and attics, usually returning to the same building year after year and often favouring south facing buildings.

Control:

Complete control of cluster flies is almost impossible since the over wintering adults are concealed in walls, attics, etc. Adults are sluggish enough in the winter to be picked up with a vacuum cleaner.

A Technician will carry out insecticidal smoke treatments in lofts, but as with any loft treatment, the area is checked first for the presence of Bats before proceeding. Residual insecticide spray is also applied to south facing window frames.

 

Common House Fly

Description:

Adults, 6 mm long with a wingspan of 13-15mm and the 4th vein on the wing bends sharply forward. The thorax has 4 distinct stripes.

Biology:

The eggs are laid in decaying material, particularly rubbish dumps and manure heaps. Under ideal conditions it can take as little as 2 weeks to complete its life cycle.

Control:

Removal and exclusion of breeding sites, such as refuse areas, is essential.

Space sprays with a knockdown action are a good method of control. Proofing of doors and windows with fly screens is the most reliable method of control. Electric fly killers can be effective at killing these flies when they enter premises.

 

Filter Flies

Description:

Adults: 2mm, wings are almond shaped and the flies are very hairy. They are frequently mistaken for small moths since the wings are held roof-like over the body when at rest. They are weak fliers and often appear to be jumping or hopping.

Biology:

Filter flies are often associated with moist, highly organic areas such as sink drains, sewage treatment facilities, storm drains, dung and rotten vegetation. Each female can produce about 100 eggs and, under optimum conditions, development can be completed in two weeks.

Control:

A Technician will carry out a careful search for the larval breeding areas and the necessary housekeeping or maintenance measures will be advised upon. Any lingering adult flies may be controlled by the use of a residual insecticide.

 

Fruit Flies

Description:

The adult flies are very small insects, about 3mm long. Body colour is usually a light yellow to tan colour and the abdomen is grey underneath. A common characteristic of the flies is distinctive red eyes.

Biology:

Female fruit flies lay their eggs on the surface of rotting fruit, fermenting juices, soured milk etc. Fruit fly larvae feed on the yeast organisms and fungi growing in the fruit and vegetable materials. Through their feeding efforts, they soon turn their food into a semi-liquid mess and given their biology, they are a common pest in pubs and commercial kitchens.

Control:

A Technician will carry out a careful search for the larval breeding areas and the necessary housekeeping or maintenance measures will be advised upon. Any lingering adult flies may be controlled by the use of a residual insecticide.

 

Lesser House Fly

Description:

Adults, 6 mm long with 12 mm wingspan. They have a grey thorax with 3 longitudinal stripes, less pronounced than those of the Common Housefly. The base of abdomen has an extensive yellow patch. At rest, wings are folded along back; venation shows 4th vein extending straight to wing margin. They have an erratic flight pattern and are often seen flying in large numbers around indoor light fittings. The Lesser housefly is more tolerant of cool conditions than the Common housefly.

Biology:

When the eggs are laid they are about 1mm long and they hatch in 24 to 48 hours. Larval development is 8 days and they have 3 skin moults. Larvae are 6 mm when fully grown. Lifecycle from egg to adult takes about 3 weeks and they breed mainly in poultry manure.

Control:

Good hygiene is necessary to limit potential breeding sites and food sources. Entry of adult flies into buildings can be prevented by proofing doors and windows with fly screens. Technicians can spray alighting surfaces with a residual insecticide to some effect and applications of larvacides to animal manure are also a good method of control within agriculture, helping to control infestations at source.

 

Phorid Fly

Description:

Phorid flies are in the small category of flies, measuring up to 3mm in length, including the wings. The most prominent feature of this fly is the humpbacked shape of its thorax. The Phorid fly lacks the red eye colour that is the classic trademark of the fruit fly. Biology:

The phorid fly breeds and feeds primarily on moist decaying organic matter. The reproductive potential of these flies is tremendous and very large numbers of them may appear in a short time. Phorid flies are found throughout the world and are a serious pest when found in food producing, food handling or food serving facilities. Fermenting materials such as fruit, dirty garbage containers, rotten vegetables or slime in drains are just a few of their favourite breeding and feeding places. The life cycle from egg to adult can be completed in as little as 14 days (under ideal conditions).

Control:

The key to controlling phorid fly infestations is to locate and eliminate their breeding sources. A space spray using an aerosol will provide a rapid knock-down for small infestations.