Different Types of Flies Common in Households
Among all insects, flies are the most common in households all around the globe. These are known pests that quickly become a nuisance when they are in a large population.
There are different fly types that can invade your home, each with its own distinguishing features and behavior. They are attracted mainly by food, garbage, and organic materials, so identifying the kind of fly is very important for better pest control.
In this blog, we will study the 10 most common indoor flies, practical tips for indoor flies control, and answer some frequently asked questions.
10 Most Common Indoor Flies
1. House Flies
Houseflies are the most common fly species you can ever find indoors. These pests mostly roam around food waste, garbage, and animal waste.
These small creatures breed very actively under unclean conditions, which makes them an annoying problem in many homes.
These house flies are extremely dangerous since their presence around food spreads diseases like salmonella.
One of the best ways to deal with such a fly infestation is to dispose of it properly and clean garbage areas.
| Characteristic | Details |
| Appearance | Gray with 4 black stripes on the thorax |
| Diet | Food waste, garbage, animal waste |
| Lifecycle | 10 days (egg to adult) |
| Preferred Habitat | Near food sources and garbage areas |
| Health Risks | Transmits diseases like salmonella |
2. Fruit Flies
Fruit flies are small in size and are commonly seen hovering around overripe fruits and sugary liquids in kitchens. Since these pests reproduce rapidly in warm environments, it can be a huge challenge to control them.
Mostly, these flies are attracted to organic materials, such as fruit skins and sugary residues. It is one of the perfect spots for these flies to live in the kitchen. Sealing food sources and cleaning up spills is one of the effective methods to keep fruit flies at bay.
| Characteristic | Details |
| Appearance | Tiny, tan body with red eyes |
| Diet | Overripe fruits, sugary liquids |
| Lifecycle | 7 days |
| Preferred Habitat | Kitchens, garbage bins |
| Health Risks | Contaminate food with bacteria |
3. Drain Flies
Drain flies are also known as phorid flies. These creatures are small, fuzzy-winged fly species that thrive in damp, dark areas such as drains and wet places. Noticing such flies is often an indication of poor plumbing or hygiene.
While they do not bite or have direct health effects, their presence indicates that there is organic matter in the pipes. Cleaning the areas around drains on a regular basis reduces their populations.
| Characteristic | Details |
| Appearance | Small with fuzzy, moth-like wings |
| Diet | Decaying organic material in drains |
| Lifecycle | 14 days |
| Preferred Habitat | Drains, damp areas |
| Health Risks | Indicator of poor hygiene |
4. Flesh Flies
Flesh flies are bigger than average houseflies and usually thrive in places such as decayed meat or dead animals. They are attracted to organic debris where they lay their eggs. Sometimes, one of the major activities of flesh flies is transferring bacteria from one surface to another.
You can eliminate these flies through proper disposal of organic materials and wiping animal wastes from your space.
| Characteristic | Details |
| Appearance | Grayish body with checkerboard abdomen |
| Diet | Decaying meat, dead animals |
| Lifecycle | 2 weeks |
| Preferred Habitat | Near decomposing organic matter |
| Health Risks | Can spread bacteria |
5. Blow Flies
Blow flies are easy to distinguish because of their metallic green or blue color. These flies usually hover near trash cans, animal excrement, and decomposing organic matter.
Since these flies are meant for decomposition, they feast on waste materials but can also spread health hazards since they contaminate food surfaces. If you manage waste around you properly and avoid odors from decaying organic materials, you can reduce blowfly infestation.
| Characteristic | Details |
| Appearance | Metallic green or blue |
| Diet | Garbage, animal waste |
| Lifecycle | 10-14 days |
| Preferred Habitat | Near trash bins and waste |
| Health Risks | Contaminate food surfaces |
6. Stable Flies
Stable flies are similar to house flies, but their bite can be very painful. These flies feed on blood taken from humans and animals. You can find such bees mostly around livestock or organic dead material.
Stable flies can cause both irritation and discomfort, making life annoying in rural or urban settings. Cleanliness around livestock and following protection measures can ensure reduced stable fly populations.
| Characteristic | Details |
| Appearance | Similar to house flies but with sharp proboscis |
| Diet | Blood from animals and humans |
| Lifecycle | 3 weeks |
| Preferred Habitat | Near livestock or decaying matter |
| Health Risks | Painful bites, potential disease vector |
7. Cluster Flies
Cluster fly infestations can be quite large compared to house flies. These pests mostly invade homes in groups during the winter, looking for warmth and protection.
Clust flies may not bite and do not transmit diseases, but their presence can be pretty irritating. Sealing entry points and keeping your surrounding indoor areas clean can prevent such fly infestations.
| Characteristic | Details |
| Appearance | Slightly larger and darker than house flies |
| Diet | Flower nectar, organic debris |
| Lifecycle | Several weeks |
| Preferred Habitat | Indoors during winter, attics |
| Health Risks | Generally harmless |
8. Phorid Flies
Phorid flies are also commonly known as the humpbacked fly. These flies are much smaller as compared to other flies. Phorid flies are commonly seen in drains, sewer lines, and around decaying organic matter. Such flies increase at a fast rate and survive in filthy, moist regions.
Their high rates of reproduction are one of the main reasons for their instant population growth. Keeping your drain area clean and repairing moisture are key things in controlling phorid flies.
| Characteristic | Details |
| Appearance | Tiny with arched thorax |
| Diet | Decaying organic material, sewage |
| Lifecycle | 10-14 days |
| Preferred Habitat | Sewers, drains, damp areas |
| Health Risks | Indicate hygiene issues |
9. Sand Flies
Sand flies are tiny insects typically found in sand nearby or within damp sand. They are mainly known for their injurious bites and the transmission of diseases like leishmaniasis.
Sand flies are very active at night and can be found within a nearby water source. Using insect repellents and protective clothing is an effective way to avoid their bites.
| Characteristic | Details |
| Appearance | Tiny, hairy wings |
| Diet | Blood of animals and humans |
| Lifecycle | 2-4 weeks |
| Preferred Habitat | Near water or damp sand |
| Health Risks | Transmit diseases like leishmaniasis |
10. Horse Flies
Horse flies can be very large in size. These flies have colorful eyes and powerful wings. Horse flies can be found in rural areas while buzzing along water bodies or over pastures.
Being popular for their painful bites, these flies take blood from animals and humans. Managing breeding areas and keeping livestock areas clean are the basic methods to control their population.
| Characteristic | Details |
| Appearance | Large with colorful eyes |
| Diet | Blood from livestock and humans |
| Lifecycle | Several weeks |
| Preferred Habitat | Near water bodies or pastures |
| Health Risks | Painful bites, disease transmission |
Conclusion
Having flies around is not only a nuisance but also a serious health risk since they spread diseases indoors. Learning about the kinds of flies commonly found in the house is the first step to proper management. By reading the tips shared above, you can minimize flies presence and keep your home free from flies.
FAQs
Q1: What are the most common flies found in homes?
The most common types of flies include house fly, fruit fly, drain fly, flesh fly, and blow fly. Each of these have their own peculiar habits and food preferences.
Q2: How do flies spread diseases?
They usually have pathogens on their body and on the wings. Whenever these flies reach the food and other place where they land, they may spread diseases like salmonella and E. coli.
Q3: How can I prevent flies in my home?
Tips for avoiding flies around your home include cleanliness, repairing drainage, keeping windows closed, and eliminating waste-standing water and open garbage.
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