*Buzz. Swoosh. Splat.* Yet another fly has made its way inside your home to wreak havoc. Although they are small in size, all types of flies bring about a unique annoyance to Florida homeowners. More specifically, a fresh swarm of flies will make its way to Florida once weather conditions become increasingly humid. To prepare for the influx of flies, Manning Pest Control is providing all the information you need to know when different types of flies come to town.
The House Fly
First, the house fly is known to be one of the most common flies inhabiting Florida. They are found in residential homes, recreation areas, food processing plants, and farms. An adult house fly is grey in color and has four black stripes along its thorax. This fly is categorized as a nonbiting fly, and it can easily find breeding grounds to repopulate. According to Pests in and Around the Southern Home, “During warm weather, two or more generations may be produced per month. Because of this rapid rate of development and the large numbers of eggs produced by the female, large populations build up. A house fly may go through an entire life cycle—egg, larva, pupa to winged adult—in six to 10 days under Florida conditions. An adult house fly may live an average of 30 days.”
How do house flies affect homeowners? These flies do not have teeth, forcing them to rely exclusively on liquids for nutrients. They do have the ability to liquify some solid foods. Due to the house fly’s persistent nature when it comes to feeding and breeding, it can still “spread many intestinal diseases such as dysentery and diarrhea.”
The Horse Fly
The horse fly, named after its attraction to horses and other large mammals, is found near large bodies of water in the suburban and rural areas of Florida. An adult horse fly has a grey or black body with semi-transparent wings. Horseflies are considered biting flies, and they primarily feed during the daytime. They can rapidly fly to seek out prey, flying for more than 30 miles at a time in pursuit of the next victim. Pests in and Around the Southern Home explains the horse fly’s feeding pattern more specifically, “While feeding, an anticoagulant is injected into the wound, increasing blood flow. These wounds can often serve as sites for secondary infections and many people are allergic to the feeding activities of these pests.”
The Fruit Fly
The fruit fly is a real nuisance to Florida homeowners because of its ability to reproduce quickly. Each adult fruit fly “lays about 500 eggs that hatch, and the larvae mature to adults in nine to 12 days.” These tan-colored flies with red eyes are most attracted to feeding on rotting food. This includes rotting vegetables and rotting fruits. In addition, they will feed on these foods even if they are located in unsanitary areas, like used drink containers, garbage bins, sewage, or drains. Fruit flies do pose a threat to homeowners, as they attract pestilent predators. Common predators of fruit flies include spiders and ants.
House flies, horse flies, and fruit flies are annoying to have around. If the flies invading your home are bringing in additional pests, like spiders or ants, have no fear. No matter what pest situation plagues your residential property, Manning Pest Control knows the best methods to eliminate South Florida pest problems. Feel completely safe on your property, and contact our team of experts to request a FREE pest control estimate.
