The primary threat from flies is the distribution of disease carrying organisms that affect humans such as salmonella food poisoning, dysentery, typhoid fever, cholera, hepatitis, tuberculosis, poliomyelitis, various parasitic worms and many others.
The common housefly, Musca domestica, is easily encountered in areas such as eating joints, fresh markets, human refuse bins, manure etc. They are commonly associated with poor hygiene standards of a location and is considered as a pest. This is primarily attributed to the housefly capability of being a disease vector. The housefly is ecologically associated with humans (synanthropic), mainly due to its ability derive benefits (i.e. food and shelter) from living in close relation to humans.
An annoying fly or two in your premises probably isn’t cause for alarm. But if you are frequently spotting large amounts of flies buzzing around your home, or have spotted several dead ones inside, you might have a fly problem.
The most common sign of a housefly infestation is the presence of the flies, themselves. Larvae may also be seen crawling out of their breeding material as they pupate. Along with seeing houseflies, people may hear them around the premises. Houseflies produce a buzzing sounds which is a result of their two wings beating together. Large number of flies buzzing around garbage dump areas and the base of wheelie bins or other waste containers may indicate a more serious problem.
Flies leave behind faeces wherever they land. Over time, the faeces will pile up and look like clusters of black dots. You can find these clusters on windowsills, near sink drains and around trash bins. Look for clusters in out-of-the-way places such as on top of the refrigerator or on high shelves. Areas that are difficult to clean thoroughly such as drainage channels and drains where waste may be accumulating should also be monitored.
If you spot maggots in your premises, it’s a sure sign of a fly infestation. Female flies look for moist, dark areas in which to lay their eggs. They’ll lay them in trash, deteriorating food and manure. When flies invade your home, they may lay eggs in leftover food on the counter or on faeces in the litter box. Maggots will soon emerge from the eggs and feed on the trash or faeces.
Fly prevention has many factors but personal and public cleanliness and proper waste disposal are main preventative measures. This means cleaning up of food scraps, good garbage management and disposal, minimization of and good management of animal wastes, composting of plant, fruit and vegetable wastes. Inside measures include cleaning up of spills and food wastes and used food containers and other rubbish, also helps. These measures minimise breeding and feeding sites and reduce fly numbers.
With regular feeding routines, flies can easily contaminate foodstuffs, as they also consume food by liquefying it and regurgitating contents on the meal. After they have done so, they will suck up the liquid and may cause fly spotting.
Unfortunately, as well as frequent feeding, flies also reproduce swiftly, so cutting the lifecycle short is the best way to deal with an infestation. As mentioned, maintaining good hygiene practices is essential, and food should be safely stored away to avoid attracting unwanted pests.
Other proofing measures may include fly screens and ultra violet (UV) light technology. On top of this, traps combined with bait may also be effective in reducing down the spread of the common housefly. This is recommended for restaurants, food manufacturing segments and office where hygiene, sanitation and cleanliness are prioritize. It’s a clean and effective way.
Whether its houseflies or gnats, the infestation will only get worse if you don’t take quick action or use the appropriate treatment methods. If flies have taken over your home or workplace, don’t reach for a flyswatter. Contact PESTSHIELD! We will correctly identify the flies and treat the pests with fast and effective solutions for preventative control.
