Flies are complex little insects, but keeping them from becoming a problem does not have to be. The common house fly is part of a family of flies known as filth flies. These adaptable insects can get into even the cleanest home or business. All you have to do is open the door or have a window screen that is in disrepair. Flies are pretty hardy and can survive in a variety of different climates and controlling them is important for many reasons.



The common house fly shares a biological connection with many other flying insects including mosquitoes, gnats, fruit flies, horse flies and blow flies. Flies are opportunistic feeders with a diet for just about anything, though some species prefer feeding on the blood of a warm-blooded host animal. Flies reaching adulthood can travel up to two mile looking for some place to lay their eggs.

Fly infestations are a major cause in the spread of disease and bacteria. The spread of bacteria occurs through virtually every point during of the insects life cycle from egg, larval, pupa and adult stages. Many fly species will bite and the biting activity can introduce diseases and bacteria directly into the host. Damage caused by flies can be expensive. A fruit fly infestation in a fruit orchard or fruit warehouse can result in an enormous amount of spoiled fruit, since like many fly species fruit flies are drawn to sweet food matter.

Controlling fly infestations can depend on the particular species but there are some basic strategies that apply to most types of flies. Many local health departments and farm extension offices have information on fly and insect control so by all means makes use of these resources in order to help keep you home insect free.

With the common house fly, the cleaner the better is the golden rule. Using and maintaining basic sanitation practices can help keep you home fly-free. Basics such as keeping lids on trash containers, both inside and outside the home can go a long way in reducing the number flies. Food waste attracts flies so take extra time to securely wrap food waste before placing it in the trash container. In your kitchen be sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize surfaces like counter tops, cutting boards or any surface you use to prepare food. Keeping these surfaces clean will reduce the chance that flies will land there and potentially leaving behind bacteria.

As with most any insect, keeping them out of your house is key to reducing the amount of mischief they cause. Open doors and windows are an invitation to insect entry so make sure that door and window screens are good repair and any gaps around them are well sealed.

Dealing with the presence of flies can include several methods including the use of chemical pesticides. Simple fly strips and fly paper are used to attract the fly which then remains stuck to the sticky substance on the strip and are very inexpensive and effective for use outdoors. Another effective, though more expensive option for controlling flies outdoors is the use of a light trap. With an ultraviolet bulb the light attracts the fly and than zaps it with an electrical charge.

A variety of chemical pesticide products are available to control flies both inside and outside the home. Sprays, foggers and hanging strips that contain a pesticide substance can be used though all of these products pose a certain risk to humans and animals and must be used with care. Always consult a professional about the use of chemical pesticides before using them in and around your home.