Flies are some of the most ubiquitous and diverse insects on the planet. There have been over 7000 species of fly discovered in Canada. The most common types of flies that are seen in homes and businesses are house flies, fruit flies and drain flies.

All flies live around a suitable source of food and moisture. In the average home, flies tend to congregate around decaying organic matter, whether it’s vegetable or animal. They also prefer moist and warm environments, and tend to stay close to kitchens, bathrooms and drains.

Fly lifespans vary – some can live only a few days, while others can live for months or even up to a year. Flies are extremely prolific. One single mated pair can produce over a million eggs over the course of their lifetime.

Fly eggs are normally laid in warm, moist environments with access to a food source. Once the eggs hatch, they develop into whitish larvae, which are also referred to as maggots. These larvae then develop into hard-shelled pupae, out of which adult flies will emerge.

Flies are always looking for a moist, warm space to invade. Many flies settle around drains, sinks, potted plants and areas with plumbing leaks.

Fruit flies breed on decaying fruits and vegetables (note that they don’t actually have to be rotten).

House flies tend to seek out decaying animal flesh or dung in order to breed. They often invade garbage bins, compost, and animal carcasses.

All flies are attracted to light, so they will also be found around windows if they have made their way inside your home.

The first step in preventing flies from settling into your home is to make the environment as inhospitable to them as possible. That means removing moisture by fixing leaks and sealing any cracks, and cleaning up any food waste lying around.

Ensure that your windows and screens are intact, and seal all trash cans and food containers. If you can, store fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator and ensure that any compost bins are sealed.

Finally, positioning fans around the house will create air currents and prevent flies from landing.

Flies might not initially seem like as much of a nuisance as other pests, but if left unchecked they can pose serious health risks to you and your family. Flies themselves aren’t necessarily the threat – it’s the microorganisms they carry in their gut and on their body that are the real culprit.

Since flies feed on decaying organic matter, they can spread disease throughout your home. Even a seemingly clean plate or utensil can harbor harmful bacteria if a fly landed on it. These include salmonella, e. coli and more.

If you only see one or two flies around your home, it could mean there are more that you don’t see. Furthermore, the presence of house flies could mean you have a rodent infestation in your home, as they like to breed and feed on rotting animal carcasses.

If you suspect you have a fly infestation, first identify the type of fly you see, then seek out where they are congregating. Remember, they love moist, warm places and decaying food. If you see fruit flies, they are most likely around garbage bins or on exposed fruits and vegetables.

Clean your home thoroughly and do your best to eliminate moisture in cupboards, sinks, and floor drains.

At the end of the day, the only way to ensure a fly infestation is properly removed is to call a flies control professional. We’ll accurately identify the species and take the right steps to eliminate them.