Fly Identification & Prevention

Flies set themselves apart from other insects with their single pair of transparent wings; most insects have two pairs. Instead of a second pair of wings, flies have a pair of balancing organs called halters. Other physical features of most adult flies include spongy mouthparts, short antennae, large compound eyes, six legs, and short hairs on the abdomen.

Flies undergo complete metamorphosis. Immature fly larvae (maggots) emerge from fly eggs usually laid on decaying organic matter. They have small, cream-colored, worm-like bodies that soon develop into pupae and then into new adults.

Fruit flies and house flies are some of the most common species that find their way onto our properties.

Flies are scavenging pests that feed on and lay their eggs on decaying debris. Diseases that flies regularly spread include Salmonella and E. Coli. Because flies only have one pair of wings, they tend to be weak fliers; they constantly take off and land on surfaces, adding to the speed at which they spread parasites, bacteria, and other pathogens. Filth flies, like house flies, pose serious health risks and have the potential to contaminate large amounts of food, making them pests that we need to safeguard our homes against and keep away from our families.

Flies thrive in Athens and the surrounding areas because of our hot, humid climate. Fly development is based on temperature; the hotter it is outside, the faster their eggs develop into new adults. They can develop from egg to adult in optimal temperatures in only seven days. After mating, each female lays several different batches of eggs. Usually, there are around 100 eggs in each batch. As you can see, even just a few of these insects finding their way to your property can quickly become a large, difficult-to-manage fly infestation!

Most of our yards provide flies ample places to forage for food and for the females to lay their eggs. The more flies you have swarming your property, the more likely they will wind up inside your home.

Fruit flies often become a problem inside homes after purchasing infested fruits and vegetables from grocery stores, farm stands, or pet stores. 

Inside our homes, house flies and other flies hang out in places that allow them to be near sources of moisture and food. Kitchens, bathrooms, and wall voids near leaky pipes, vents, and drains are common gathering places for flies.

Additionally, most flies are attracted to lights. It is common to see them flying around lights, televisions, and computer screens in the evening. They can also gather around house plants with very damp soil.

Tiny fruit flies lay their eggs on top of ripe, decaying, or fermenting organic matter and liquids. These little flies are most common in the late summer and fall (harvest season) when there is plenty of vegetation to use as a food source.

If you are tired of dealing with lots of flies in your house, American Pest Control is here to help. We will work with you to get rid of flies from your Athens property. You can count on our professionals to provide excellent customer service and efficient, up-to-date pest control technology. Other benefits to choosing us for your pest control needs include our ability to provide fast pest removal, guaranteeing our pest control services and response time, and being committed to providing the best service possible. Call us today for the most effective fly control services in Athens and beyond.

You can do some simple things in and around your home to help prevent issues with flies on your property.

• Make sure open windows and doors have secure and intact screens. 
• Don’t prop open your home’s doors.
• Clean up pet excrement regularly.
• Regularly maintain vegetable and fruit gardens, harvesting ripe fruits.
• Don’t purchase any produce from a store where you see fruit flies flying around.
• Plant marigolds, lavender, and rosemary in gardens and around your house. They naturally deter flies and other insects.
• Store your family’s perishable foods in the fridge or airtight containers. 

For more information about our residential services in Athens or our commercial pest control services in Athens, call us today!