Facts of a Flies Life

Reproductive Behaviour

All species of flies have four stages of development within its life cycle which are the Egg, the Larvae, the Pupae and an Adult. Eggs of flies that migrate into premises may never be seen due to being laid cryptically though species such as the Common/Lesser House Fly and Blowflies lay their eggs blatantly on foodstuffs, rotting materials and animal faeces which are minuscule, whitish in colour. After hatching from their eggs the larvae (maggots) may be seen in groups on their food sources and will undergo a series of moults over a duration of days or weeks (depending on the species) before Pupating then becoming an Adult. Maggots of other flies may not be seen due to opposed food sources and adults will vary in colour and size depending on their species.

Majority of female flies are capable of laying eggs within their 100’s in batches or individually and their life expectancy can be anything from days, weeks, months or a year possibly giving them a long enough duration to thrive allowing the infestation to become severe. Giving their size and ability of flight, they are highly capable of gaining access to minuscule gaps of food packets, waste, household algae, pet faeces and more causing contamination and disease within a dwelling or working environment.

Identifying a Infestation

The only way of identifying a Fly infestation is by physical sightings:

Physical Sightings

The easiest way of determining an infestation is multiple or continuous Sightings of Flies, Larvae or Eggs throughout a premises or working environment. A thorough check should be carried out by if not yourself, than a specialist if excessive sightings have been made.

Identifying Flies

Identifying Flies is not very difficult as they are visible to the human eye no matter what the size (though some may be difficult to spot than others unless clustered together. An adult Flies have a physical appearance of a six legs, a set of wings and are no better than a finger nail. All species of flies will vary in colour and size but will have a similar characteristics.

  •  Cluster flies (Pollenia Rudis) – reside in vegetative environments and commonly enter a premises to hibernate over the winter periods. They are typically found in loft spaces and dwelling areas becoming a severe nuisance in buildings. They are approximately 6mm in length and blackish with fine golden hairs on its body.
  • Common House Flies (Musca Domestica) – are associated with human and animal activities and can be found in most environments where a suitable breeding conditions exist. They are capable of transmitting disease and are a food spillage nuisance. They are approximately 6mm in length and greyish with pale strips on its body.
  • Blowflies (Bluebottles/Greenbottles) – are also associated with human and animal activities and can be found in most environments where a suitable breeding conditions exist. They are capable of transmitting disease, breed in carcasses and meat products. They are approximately 11 mm in length with a deep metallic blue or bright metallic green body with red eyes.
  • ​Fruit Flies (Drosphila) – are commonly found both outdoors and indoors where they breed on rotting vegetable matter, fruits, sour milk and beer. They may potentially transmit disease and are a major nuisance pest. They are approximately 2 mm in length and has a translucent yellow body with a darkened back and red eyes.
  • Sewage Flies (Psychodidae) – inhabit sewage works areas and drainage systems and are an extreme nuisance flying into the open orifices of workers and residents potentially transmitting disease. They are approximately 2 mm in length and has almond-shaped wings with a hair moth like coating which is grey or black in colour.