Fly Identification and How to Handle the Individual Types

Flies are one of the most prolific pests around the world, including here in New York City. With thousands of different species, there is almost always one that is able to find the right environment somewhere in your home or business. Because flies are known for their aggressive breeding, one or two
flies can quickly turn into a much larger problem.

These are some of the most common flies that cause challenging infestations in NYC and how you should respond if you notice these pests have moved in.

What Types of Flies Are in NYC?

In general, flies are attracted anywhere there is decaying material for them to eat. But the type of material that flies go after depends largely on the species. Some of the most common species here in NYC include:

• House Flies – This is the most common type of fly in indoor infestations. This fly is about a quarter-inch long with large red eyes. They will feed on dead animals, pet waste, garbage, and human food. Each fly lives approximately 20 days, but in that time can produce more than 500 larvae, exacerbating any problems you have with flies.
• Horse Flies – This fly is black in color and known for its painful bite and aggressive nature. Females feed on blood while males eat pollen. These files are often found in less populated areas where there is a water source nearby.
• Fruit Flies – Fruit flies will lay their eggs and consume decaying fruit and vegetable matter. They often get into homes or businesses when the eggs come in on infested groceries. The fly is small at less than 1/8 inch with a lighter color. In addition to seeing them around fruit, you may also see them flying around garbage, trash cans, empty beverage cans, and garbage disposals.
• Drain Flies – A common problem in commercial facilities, drain flies are tiny with a lighter colored body. The larvae eat sewage so you will see the adult flies flying around drains or near compost.

With a few exceptions, such as the horse fly, flies spread a variety of diseases including salmonella, E. coli, and others. The flies themselves are harmless, but they are frequently in contact with harmful bacteria because they come into contact with waste, so when they land on human food and surfaces, there is a risk of spreading the bacteria. Although the files themselves can be a nuisance, these diseases are what elevate flies to a dangerous pest.

This makes it important to have expert solutions for flies. 24-Hour Pest Control offers fly control in New York. We can diagnose the issue that is bringing flies to your property and apply the correct treatments to quickly get rid of flies. Learn more about our fly control and other pest control services by contacting our team. Call us today (800) 456-8400