What Are Flies?
Flies are among the most common pests in Texas homes and businesses. They're not just annoying—they're vectors for disease, carrying pathogens from garbage, sewage, and decaying matter directly to your food and surfaces.
A single pair of house flies can produce over 1 million offspring in just a few weeks under ideal conditions. Their rapid reproduction and ability to travel significant distances make fly control challenging without professional intervention.
Different fly species require different treatment approaches. Identifying the type of fly is the first step to effective elimination.
Types of Common Flies
1. House Fly
Gray with four dark stripes on thorax. Most common indoor fly. Breeds in garbage, animal waste. Constantly lands on surfaces spreading bacteria. Lives 15-25 days.
2. Drain Fly (Moth Fly)
Tiny, fuzzy appearance, heart-shaped wings. Breeds in organic buildup in drains and pipes. Indicates plumbing or moisture issues. Weak fliers that rest on walls.
3. Blow Fly (Bottle Fly)
Metallic blue or green. Larger than house flies. Breeds in dead animals or meat. First to arrive at carcasses. Indicates dead rodent or animal in structure.
4. Cluster Fly
Gray, sluggish movement, golden hairs on thorax. Overwinters in attics and wall voids in large numbers. Emerges in spring seeking exit. Not attracted to garbage.
Identification Guide
Size
House fly: ¼ inch | Drain fly: ⅛ inch | Blow fly: ⅜ inch | Cluster fly: ⅜ inch
Color
Gray, black, metallic blue or green depending on species
Shape
Two wings, large compound eyes, sponging mouthparts
Behavioral Signs
- Constant movement and landing on surfaces
- Attracted to food, garbage, and organic matter
- Gather on sunny walls and windows
- Buzzing sound when flying
Signs of Fly Infestation
Common Indicators:
- Multiple flies seen indoors daily
- Flies gathering near windows trying to escape
- Small dark spots (fecal matter) on walls, ceilings, light fixtures
- Maggots found in garbage bins or hidden organic matter
- Persistent flies despite routine cleaning
- Cluster of flies in specific room or area
Source Identification:
- House flies: garbage, pet waste, compost
- Drain flies: slow drains, organic buildup in pipes
- Blow flies: dead rodent or animal in walls/attic
- Cluster flies: entering from attic or wall voids in fall/spring
Health Risks from Flies
Disease Transmission
- Carry over 100 pathogens including E. coli, Salmonella, and Shigella
- Pick up bacteria from sewage, garbage, animal waste
- Transfer pathogens to food and food prep surfaces
- Vomit and defecate while feeding, spreading contamination
Food Safety Concerns
- Can contaminate food in seconds
- Particularly dangerous in commercial kitchens
- Fly-borne illnesses cause diarrhea, food poisoning
- Health code violations in food service establishments
Prevention Strategies
Eliminate Breeding Sites
- Empty garbage daily and keep bins clean
- Clean up pet waste immediately
- Don't leave dirty dishes in sink
- Clean drains monthly with enzyme cleaners
- Compost bins should be sealed and away from house
Exclusion Methods
- Install and repair window screens
- Keep doors closed or use screen doors
- Seal cracks around windows and doors
- Install air curtains at commercial entries
Sanitation
- Wipe down counters and tables after meals
- Store food in sealed containers
- Clean under appliances regularly
- Address moisture issues and leaks promptly
Professional Fly Treatment
Effective fly control starts with identifying and eliminating breeding sources, followed by population reduction and prevention.
Our Treatment Protocol
Source Identification & Elimination
Locate breeding sites—dead animals, drain buildup, outdoor sources. Remove or treat sources directly.
Fly Baits & Traps
Strategic placement of attractant baits and UV light traps to reduce adult population
Drain Treatment
For drain flies: mechanical cleaning followed by foaming drain treatments and beneficial bacteria
Residual Treatments
Application of residual insecticides to resting areas—walls, ceilings, window frames
Exclusion Repairs
Screen repair, door sweep installation, sealing entry points
Treatment Cost Expectations
Common Questions
Q: Why do I suddenly have so many flies?
Sudden fly infestations often indicate a new breeding source—dead animal in walls, overflow in septic system, or outdoor attractants. A professional inspection can locate the source.
Q: Do fly zappers work?
UV light zappers kill some flies but also attract beneficial insects and can spread bacteria when flies explode. Professional baits and traps are more effective and sanitary.
Q: How do flies get in my house?
Flies enter through open doors and windows, torn screens, and small cracks. They're also attracted to light and can enter when doors open briefly.
Q: Can drain flies make you sick?
While less dangerous than house or blow flies, drain flies can carry bacteria from sewage. They indicate unsanitary drain conditions that should be addressed.
Clear Your Home of Flies
Don't let flies contaminate your food and surfaces.
Let us identify the source and eliminate the problem.