PHORID FLY
PEST DATA:
Color: Tan/ light abdomen with dark stripes
Legs: 6
Shape: Small oval with humped-back
Size: 1/8″
Antennae: Yes
Region: Entire US
HABITS:
Phorid flies are small hump-backed flies that resemble fruit flies feed on decaying matter, especially fruits and vegetables. Phorid flies escape by rapidly running across a surface rather than taking to wing.
HABITAT:
Phorid flies are small pests that are commonly found in homes, restaurants and other facilities where food is processed. They are found on moist, decaying matter that has been stationary for several days. For this reason they are also known as Coffin Flies.
THREATS:
Phorid flies are found in unsanitary conditions, so they are a potential heath concern, especially when present in health facilities.
PREVENTION:
Phorid flies are best prevented through vigilant sanitation practices. To exercise proper phorid fly management, remove kitchen trash daily, and keep counter surfaces clean, keep pet food bowls and litter boxes clean.
FRUIT FLY (VINEGAR FLY)
PEST DATA:
Color: Tan/light abdomen
Legs: 6
Shape: Small oval
Size: 1/8″
Antennae: Yes
Region: Entire US
HABITS:
Fruit flies prefer to eat moist decaying fruits, vegetables and garbage that has been hasn’t been moved for several days.
HABITAT:
They are commonly found in homes, restaurants and other places where food is processed or open trash containers are located.
THREATS:
Fruit flies are a heath concern as they indicate unsanitary conditions.
PREVENTION:
Vigilant attention to sanitation practices including the daily removal of indoor trash, keeping counter surfaces clean, and keeping sinks free of dishes containing food residue.
HORSE FLY
PEST DATA:
Color: Black
Legs: 6
Shape: Triangular
Size: 3/4″ – 1″
Antennae: Yes
Region: Found throughout U.S.
HABITS: Female Horsefly bites are more painful than a mosquitoes as they use their razor-like jaws to tear and slice flesh apart. They are even able to bite through clothing. The flies will pour clot-preventing saliva into the open wound and then suck the blood for several minutes. If not treated quickly, the bites may cause large swellings or lesions, become itchy and cause a high fever.
HABITAT: Suitable habitats include salt marshes, swamps, bogs and areas along the edges of ponds, lakes and streams. Horse fly larva will feed on organic debris, insects, small crustaceans, snails, earthworms and other organisms and are also cannibalistic and will eat other horse fly larvae.
THREATS: Horse flies can transmit equine infectious anemia virus and anthrax among cattle and sheep. They are the most common cause of tularemia between rabbits and humans in the Western US. They are suspected of transmitting Lyme disease as well. Large numbers of horse flies can cause an animal to lose up to 300 ml of blood in a single day and can severely weaken or even kill them.
PREVENTION: Since these flies are commonly found along endangered wetlands, control is impractical as it can be toxic to fish, birds and mammals. Common repellants containing DEET (N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) are not effective in keeping these flies from landing but may discourage them from biting. To reduce bites, it is recommended to wear light-colored clothing, a cap or hat.
HOUSE FLY
PEST DATA:
Color: Dark gray
Legs: 6
Shape: Small oval
Size: 1/4″
Antennae: Yes
Region: Entire US
House flies are a group of related species with a very similar appearance. They are about 1/4″ and only live between 15 and 25 days.
HABITS:
They are not able to chew and feed by absorbing liquids. House flies are attracted to sugar and taste using their feet.
HABITAT:
House flies tend to stay within 1-2 miles of where they were born; however, they have been known to migrate up to 20 miles to find food.
THREATS:
House flies are known to spread nearly 100 different kinds of disease-causing pathogens to humans.
PREVENTION:
Vigilant attention to sanitation practices including the daily removal of indoor trash, keeping counter surfaces clean, and keeping sinks free of dishes containing food residue. Eliminate open waste bins. Clean pet bowls and waste immediately. Repair or replace screens on doors and windows.
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