Houseflies Identification
If there’s one thing you can count on as the days grow warmer, it’s that the uptick in temperature will also bring an uptick in the number of bugs you might see hanging around in your yard or home. Houseflies in particular are a common nuisance in North Carolina during the hotter months, and these little pests can be more than just annoying —they can be dangerous.
At A-1 Pest Control, we understand how frustrating and unhygienic house fly infestations can be, and we offer effective solutions to eliminate them from your home or business.
Where Do Houseflies Come From
Houseflies breed in decaying organic matter, such as garbage, animal waste, and decomposing food. Female flies lay their eggs in these materials, and within a few days, the larvae emerge and begin feeding. Once they mature, adult flies can easily find their way indoors through open doors, windows, or cracks.
They are attracted to both food and odors, which is why houseflies are commonly found near kitchens, garbage bins, and animal areas.
Where Are Houseflies Found
Houseflies are one of the most widespread insects in the world, found on every continent except Antarctica. They are particularly common in urban and suburban areas, where human activity provides them with ample food and plenty of breeding sites. From the cities of North Carolina to rural farms, houseflies can adapt to almost any environment as long as there is organic matter to feed on and warm temperatures to support their life cycle.
Where Do House Flies Reside in a House
Inside a home, houseflies tend to reside in areas close to food, moisture, and waste.
- Kitchens: They are attracted to uncovered food, crumbs, and dirty dishes.
- Garbage bins: Flies lay eggs in trash that contains organic waste.
- Bathrooms: Damp environments offer houseflies a place to rest and breed.
- Windows and doors: Flies are often found buzzing around windows as they are attracted to light.
What Attracts Houseflies
Houseflies are drawn to anything that provides them with a source of food or a place to breed. Some of the most common attractions include:
Food Scraps and Leftovers
Houseflies are highly attracted to food scraps and leftovers, especially if they are left uncovered or exposed on counters, tables, or floors. Whether it's crumbs from a meal or open containers of food, flies are drawn to the scent and can quickly detect any accessible food source.
Rotting Fruit or Vegetables
Decaying organic matter, such as rotting fruit or vegetables, is a prime breeding ground for houseflies. As fruits and vegetables begin to decompose, they emit strong odors that flies can easily detect. Once they find rotting produce, female houseflies may lay eggs on it, allowing the larvae to feed on the decaying matter when they hatch. This can quickly lead to an increase in the fly population.
Animal Waste
Animal waste, whether from pets or livestock, is another major attractant for houseflies. Flies are especially drawn to the moisture and nutrients found in feces, making it an ideal spot for laying their eggs.
Garbage
Of course, unsealed garbage bins are a magnet for houseflies. Flies are attracted to the smell of decomposing organic matter found in garbage, and once they access the trash, they can feed and lay eggs, leading to a rapid increase in fly numbers.
How to Get Rid of Houseflies
Eliminating houseflies requires a combination of sanitation, exclusion, and pest control techniques.
Sanitation
Although houseflies don’t live long, you’ll want to eliminate them before they reproduce. The first step in eliminating houseflies is maintaining proper sanitation. Houseflies are drawn to food, waste, and other organic matter, so keeping a clean environment is essential in reducing their presence. Regularly clean up food spills, crumbs, and leftovers from kitchen counters, floors, and dining areas. Be sure to cover trash bins securely and dispose of garbage regularly, as flies are attracted to the smell of decaying waste.
Fly Traps
Fly traps are a tried and true tool for controlling houseflies, especially in areas where sanitation may not be enough. A-1 Pest Control can provide and install fly traps that attract and capture houseflies using bait, light, or sticky surfaces. These traps work by drawing flies in with scents or light sources that mimic their natural attractants. Once the flies are caught, they are unable to escape. You can also get a Venus fly trap plant to naturally eliminate flies. However, these plants may only catch flies that come into their vicinity leaving others flying around your home.
Exclusion
Exclusion methods focus on keeping houseflies out of your home or business by eliminating entry points. This includes sealing cracks and gaps in windows, doors, and walls where flies can sneak inside.
Professional Treatments
When sanitation and exclusion efforts aren’t enough, professional pest control treatments are necessary to eliminate houseflies. A-1 Pest Control offers safe and effective treatments tailored to the specific needs of your home or business.
Our trained technicians use targeted solutions to eradicate houseflies and prevent them from returning. We employ a variety of methods, including chemical treatments, bait stations, and environmental modifications, to disrupt fly breeding cycles and remove active infestations. With professional treatment, you can ensure that houseflies are effectively eliminated, providing long-term relief from these pests.
Houseflies FAQ
What smell do flies hate?
Houseflies are repelled by certain strong smells, including essential oils like peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus. Vinegar and cloves are also known to deter flies. However, these scents alone may not be enough to stop an infestation, and professional pest control may still be needed.
Why are there so many flies in NC?
The warm, humid climate of North Carolina, provides ideal breeding conditions for houseflies. The combination of frequent outdoor activity, uncovered garbage, and organic waste in suburban and urban areas makes this area particularly prone to housefly infestations.
Why are there so many houseflies in my yard?
Houseflies are often attracted to yards with exposed garbage, pet waste, or compost piles. They can also be drawn to moist soil or standing water. Maintaining cleanliness in your yard, covering trash, and removing waste can help reduce the number of flies in your outdoor spaces. For a definitive answer, request a FREE inspection to see why flies are rampant in your yard.
Contact A-1 Pest Control Effective for Housefly Control
If you’re dealing with an influx of houseflies, contact A-1 Pest Control today. Our team of experienced professionals will assess the situation and implement effective strategies to eliminate houseflies from your home or business. We provide effective pest control plans in Blowing Rock, Hendersonville, Hickory, Lenoir, Mooresville, and West Jefferson, North Carolina. Don’t let flies take over—reach out to A-1 Pest Control at 828-481-9140 or fill out the form below.