Why flies are DANGEROUS guests in your home!

Flies are a worldwide pest and are able to transfer an army of pathogens causing a severe risk for diseases such as salmonella, dysentery, typhoid fever, cholera, hepatitis, tuberculosis, poliomyelitis and parasitic worms. Preventing fly infestation is of vital importance.

Flies belong to the insect order called Diptera and there are about 150,000 known species of flies around the world.

Flies are considered pests due to their poor hygiene, for causing a nuisance and for biting or stinging

The common fly species that are considered as pest are the:

• house fly
• flesh fly
• blowfly
• stable fly
• fruit fly
• phorid fly
• moth fly
• horse fly

It is vitally important to be able to identify the different fly species in order to know how to effectively get rid of these unwanted guests and have the best treatment plan in place

Where did flies come from?

Well, flies can travel quite a distance. In order to best answer this question, you will need to inspect the surrounding location of the infested area. It is also important to have an understanding of their biology and behaviour in order to recognise the different type of fly species you are faced with. Lastly, search for possible entry points or breeding sites.

Breeding sites can include:

• Food waste.
• Sewage and areas of collected faeces (dogs, cats, other animals etc.).
• Dead animals.
• Fruit, fruit waste or extracts.
• Compost pits or units.
• Still water found in pot plant saucers, old tyres, discarded tins or other containers; blocked drains.

It is very important to remember that regular inspections for flies is crucial to ensure these unwanted guests doesn’t make your home or business their permanent residence.

When conducting a fly inspection, you will not be searching for a nest or colony like some other pests; looking for flies is a little bit different. You have to identify potential breeding sites and entry points.

To help with identifying these areas, you will have to determine the specific fly causing the problems.

If the fly cannot be identified, try the following:

• What are possible attractants for flies to the site location.
• Potential breeding locations for the different fly pests.
• Potential entry points for any fly pest.

This will narrow the problem of infestation and you will be able to determine the breeding sites, active flies and larval populations.

Top Tips for a Fly inspection:

• Inspect the inside and outside of buildings to identify breeding, feeding and landing areas.
• Try to understand where flies could be coming from and where they are likely to move to.
• Identify conditions that may contribute to the infestation.

Pest Store offers a wide range of products for the effective treating or prevention of flies:

Avi-Stelspuit

A highly concentrated and effective space spray aerosol to be used in an automatic insecticide dispenser. Controls flying insects such as flies, mosquitoes and moths.

Avimatic

Also a highly concentrated and effective space spray aerosol to be used in an automatic insecticide dispenser. Controls flying insects such as flies, mosquitoes and moths.

Thiatox Fly Bait 100

Fly bait to effectively attract and kill flies.

Redtop range

• Contains no insecticides – non-poisonous lure, giving complete ecological safety.
• No training needed – just follow the simple instructions.
• Re-useable traps are useable for up to five years.
• The running cost is a fraction of that of insecticides.
• Environmentally friendly and non-Toxic.

Fragrance candles

Natural non-toxic aloe scented insect repellent candles.

UV light Traps

Convenient plug-in-the-wall fly attractant lamp for flies and moths at home.

Visit our website at www.peststore.co.za for more information on the products mentioned in this article or send a mail to info@peststore.co.za for more advice on how our products can help eliminate your unwanted flying guests!