COMMON FLIES
“The common house fly has been found to be associated with over 100 different pathogens such as cholera, typhoid, salmonella and
anthrax.”
Flies are not only nuisance pests but many are also known to play an important role in disease transmission. For example, the common house fly has been found to be associated with over 100 different pathogens such as cholera, typhoid, salmonella and anthrax.
Common Hiding Places
Management of flies has always been challenging. The source (immature stage development) must be found and eliminated in order to have a good control. However, the adults are strong flyers and often go foraging food far away from their nesting area. Besides that, some species are attracted to the ultraviolet light and some are not . Most flies have their peak activity during the daytime, while others are most active during the sunset and sunrise.
Common Fly Species
Here are some of the common species encountered in our living environment:
- Common house fly (Musca domestica)
- Bottle fly (Calliphora sp., Lucilia sp.)
- Fruit fly (Drosophila sp.)
- Drain fly
- Phorid fly
Flies feed on a variety of food materials but most of them prefer the fermenting or decaying organic matter. They also undergo complete metamorphosis process: egg, larva, pupa and adult. During each of the developmental stages, flies show difference in appearance and habit. Eggs are usually laid on or near to the larval food materials. During early larval stage, they prefer foraging on moist or liquid food materials. However, they will crawl to a dried area for pupation. The complete developmental time requires about 6-45 days, depends on the species and conditions (i.e. humidity and temperature). Adults are usually short live (within a month) and therefore most of them will mate shortly after reaching maturity.
Consequence
Heavy infestation of flies may bring contamination in food, equipment and other materials through its waste, feces or just by physical contact.
Control Tips
Residual Spray
To be applied at the wall, floor junction as well as resting areas of flies.
Insect Light Trap
This environmental-friendly approach is most suitable to be used in sensitive areas such as the kitchen, toddler’s or the elderly’s room, food processing area, pet shop, etc.
Sanitation
This will reduce the availability of harborage, water and food.