S & W Pest Management Inc : Insect Guide

Horse Fly
Musca domestica
Color: Dark gray
Legs: Six
Shape: Small oval
Size: 1/4"
Antennae: Yes
Flight: Yes

The housefly is the most common fly on the planet. The can be found everywhere humans live. Because it frequents unsanitary areas, such as garbage and manure, this fly is considered a possible health risk and its presence indoors should be minimized.

This species has sponging mouthparts so it cannot eat solid food. It regurgitates digestive fluids onto its food and then sponges up its digested liquid meal. House flie leave fecal deposits where they have walked. While walking and feeding on garbage, fecal material and food, flies may transfer disease organisms from both inside and outside their bodies.

Domestic flies, are not only a nuisance by their presence, but are important from a human and animal health standpoint. House flies may spread diseases such as conjunctivitis, poliomyelitis, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, anthrax, leprosy, cholera, diarrhea and dysentery.

Prevention:

There are usually two reasons house flies are found in and around homes. First, flies are being attracted to the building by trash containers or pet feces and second, openings such as doors or windows are permitting flies to enter. Here are some tips for reducing flies in and around your home:

Store garbage in trash cans in plastic bags. Plastic bags reduce odors that attract flies to the area.
Move trash cans as far from the building as possible.
Keep doors and windows closed unless equipped with tight screens.
Ensure all edges of doors and windows have tight weather stripping.
Remove animal feces from your yard.

If you would like to make an appointment with S & W Pest Management, please fill out the online appointment form or call 1-877-989-BUGS.