Pest Control Guide - Flies in Indiana, Kentucky, & Illinois

• Cluster flies are about 3/8" in length.
• They are a gray fly that carries its wings back together.
• They become a nuisance in fall when they over winter by the thousands in structures.
• They breed in earthworms in the soil and eliminating their breeding site is not a control method.
• When at rest these flies are slow and bumble about the room.
• Finding entry and excluding them is the best option for control cluster flies.

• Exclusion is the main control method for cluster flies.
• On warm winter days inspect exterior perimeter on the south and south west sides of the structure. Note where cluster flies are getting in. Seal all areas where cluster flies may gain entry.
• ULV Directive (fogging) treatments may be used in heavy infestation for quick knockdown but will not provide any long term control
• Use insect light traps to help control adult flies.

BLOW FLY/BOTTLE FLY

Description

• Blow flies are 1/8"-5/8" in length.
• Also known as bottle flies.
• They vary in color from green to blue to black.
• They are common flies of dead bodies and are usually the first insects to arrive shortly after time of death.
• The larvae stage is called a maggot and is common around trash cans.
• The presence of blow flies is usually and indication of something dead.

• Identify decaying organic material.
• Look for decaying carcass of a dead animal.
• Remove the infested material.
• Vacuum adult flies if possible.
• Directive treat (fog) to control adult flies.
• Treat the area with a liquid insecticide to prevent further developing flies.
• Use Insect Light traps to capture adult flies.

• Fruit flies are about 1/8" in length.
• They are common pests on decaying fruits and vegetable.
• They have bright to dark red eyes.
• Most species have dark stripes on the abdomen.
• They will also be found in garbage disposals, trash compactors and trash receptacles.
• The presence of fruit flies is usually and indication of decaying material and sanitation needs to be addressed.

• Find the decaying fruit or vegetable.
• Look in garbage disposals, trash receptacles or areas where fruits and vegetables have been stores.
• Remove the infested decaying material.
• Directive treat (fog) the area to knock down adult flies.
• Clean all drains and use enzyme based product to break down sledge buildup.
• Do Not Use insect light traps to control fruit flies!

• Drain flies are 1/16"-1/4"
• They are dark gray in appearance.
• They have fuzzy "moth-like" wings.
• They are found in decaying material around floor drains or standing stagnant water.
• Also called moth flies because of their appearance.
• They are also called bar flies because they are very common in bars.
• The presence of drain flies is usually an indication that sanitation needs to be addressed.

• Look for decaying material in drains or standing water.
• Clean drains and use an enzyme base product to reduce sledge buildup in drain.
• Directive (fog) treat to reduce the adult fly population.
• Use insect light traps to capture adult flies.

• House flies are 1/8" to 1/4" in length.
• They are dull gray with 4 light lines on the thorax.
• They are common nuisance pests in homes and restaurants.
• They often feed on dog or cat feces allowed to accumulate in lawns.
• When they feed they vomit a liquid on to the food surface that breaks down solid food so that it may be sucked up.
• They are carriers of disease and are often found in areas of poor sanitation.
• The larvae called maggots are often found around trash dumps and other trash receptacles.

• Inspect animal feces or other decaying material.
• Locate breeding source and eliminate.
• Inspect screens on windows and doors replace if needed. Make sure they close properly
• Inspect for locations of dumpsters and other thrash receptacles. Move if necessary
• Treat exterior perimeter of the structure with liquid insecticide. Also around doors and windows
• Treat dumpster and trash areas with liquid insecticide concentrating on the pad underneath.
• Place fly bait stations in areas to intercept potential flies.
Use insect light traps to capture adult flies once they enter the structure

Related Pages

• Bed Bugs
• Beetles