Dealing With Fly Infestation?
Bottle FliesBottle flies are also known as blowflies. It is a bright blue-green species of flies usually bigger than a common housefly. The most peculiar trait of these flies is that they make a very audible buzzing sound while flying.
Cluster FliesCluster flies are large black colored flies with the scientific name ‘ Pollenia rudis’, they show up in homes from late fall through early spring. Cluster flies are also known as attic flies. A Cluster fly is very much similar to a housefly.
Drain FliesDrain Flies also known as moth or sink flies are a common nuisance in homes. These flies live and breed in the organic matter present inside moist drains and hence they are mostly found in kitchens and bathrooms.
Fruit FliesFruit flies are known by many names like Vinegar or Pomace flies. The scientific name of a Fruit fly is “drosophila”. In the world of science, they have a special place, as they have been crucial in the study of genetics.
Flesh FliesFlesh flies usually thrive on dead animals, human and animal excreta. They don’t bite but they are harmful as they carry leprosy bacilli and can also cause intestinal infections if you consume the meat that they have infected.
GnatsGnats are often known as “nats” or “knats“. Gnats are small-sized flies ranging in size from 1/8″ to 1/10” in length. They have two wings and in terms of appearance, they resemble more to a mosquito than to a fly.
Horse FliesHorseflies are one of the most ferocious breeds of flies. Unlike a common house fly, horse flies have cutting and tearing type mouthparts. They are a nuisance for livestock, horse flies (particularly female ones) land on the body of cattle and bite them to draw their blood.
House FliesThe warmth of summer seems to bring out the worst in the insect population, with pesky flies invading our home and spoiling the summer mood. According to a study published in a renowned entomology journal, there are more than 100,000 known species of flies.
Know More About Flies
How Long Do Flies Live?There are multiple species and types of flies that have a lifespan ranging from a few days to a few years. It is seen in multiple scientific experiments that temperature, food availability, and some chemicals do affect the normal lifecycle of a fly.
What Are Flies Attracted To?House flies, in general, are attracted to garbage, filth, and waste organic matter. They land on these substances and contaminate everything else they land upon. Fruit flies are attracted to sweet and fermented liquids. Fruit flies get nutrients from fermented liquids and later lay eggs near such a source.
7 Herbs That Flies Hate MostIn sunny fly-infested areas, you could use potted plants of basil to deter flies. Apart from Basil, Bay leaves also produce a subtle scent that flies hate. Other insects like moths, roaches, earwigs, and mice also hate the fragrance of bay leaves.
Do Cloves Repel Flies?Cloves are good at repelling flies, flies hate the subtle scent of cloves. Please note that cloves are most effective against house flies, although they can also deter other fly species but they are not so much effective against them.
What Do Flies Eat?Adult house flies mostly feed on decaying matter, sugar, or flower nectar. Sometimes they also feed on honeydew left by aphids. House flies do not have mouthparts that allow it to chew. Fruit flies normally feed on the yeast cells that grow on rotting fruits and other sugary substances.
Do Flies Sleep?Around a decade back, researchers at the University of Queensland, conducted a study on flies to study their ability to sleep. The study clearly stated that – Flies do sleep. Apart from this, the study also suggested that the sleeping cycle in flies is very much similar to humans.
Do Gnats Bite?Gnats are minute sized flies ranging in length from 1/8 to 1/10 of an inch. Gnats have two wings and resemble more to a mosquito than to a fly. As per Wikipedia, “A gnat is any of many species of tiny flying insects in the Dipterid suborder Nematocera, especially those in the families’ Mycetophilidae, Anisopodidae and Sciaridae”.
Housefly FactsHouseflies are usually gray and are about 4 to 8 mm long. The upper body (prothorax) is covered with four dark gray stripes. The whole body of a housefly is covered with hair-like projections. Females are slightly larger than males and have more space between the eyes. They have sucking mouthparts and hence they do not bite.
Compare Fly Traps
Disposable Fly TrapsDisposable fly traps are one of the best and environmentally friendly ways to trap or kill flies. These kinds of traps are more suited for getting rid of flies outdoors. Disposable fly traps are effective against most species of flies.
Homemade Fly TrapsAlthough these days the market is full of commercially available fly traps, however, you can also come up with your own homemade versions. A homemade fly trap, when compared to a commercially available fly trap is equally effective against flies.
Fly PaperUsing Flypaper is one of the most ancient techniques for eliminating flies. Flypapers are also known as fly ribbons. Fundamentally flypaper is a simple sheet of paper coated with a substance that has a sweet fragrance along with strong adhesive properties.
Best Fruit Fly TrapsFruit flies are annoying and seem to come from nowhere, are hard to kill, and once they appear they seem to stick around forever! Well, nobody cares where they come from, just as long as they leave! Traditional methods like swatting them, spraying them with insecticide often prove futile.