TULSA MASTER GARDENERS - Household Pests (Flies)

HOW TO CONTROL FLIES IN THE HOME

(Condensed from various OCES publications by Ed Lee)
Contents

Flies are normally found in any area which has rotting organic material.

The following are suggestions for fly management.

    General Fly Control
 
  • Keep flies away by covering and storing food away correctly.
  • Dispose of rotting fruits and vegetables.
  • Put garbage in a can with a tight lid.
  • Clean garbage can regularly.
  • Clean up after pets.
  • Keep all drains clean.
  • Put screens on your doors and windows.
  • Use a fly swatter if there are only a few flies.
  • Use a fly trap.
    House Fly
  The fly most often found in the home. The house fly lays eggs in moist, decaying material. This can be grass clippings, coffee grounds, dishwater, sewage, garbage, or similar material.
    House Fly Control
 
  • Sanitation. Removal of the breeding material.
  • Screen windows and doors to prevent house flies from entering the house.
  • Use fly paper or strips which attract and catch the flies. These need to be changed often because once the stickiness dries they do not work.
  • Use a fly swatter to get rid of a few flies. .
  • Fly sprays provide only a very temporary solution to the problem. See CAUTION below.
  • Electric bug zappers usually attract more problem insects than they kill.
    Fruit Fly
  The fruit fly is usually introduced into the home in infested fruit. They are attracted to fruit and uncooked food, especially fruit that is either rotting or beginning to age and decay. They will also be attracted to canned fruits and vegetables that are in containers that are not tightly sealed. "Emptied" beer, soft drink, milk, or catsup bottles with small amounts remaining in the bottom have been reported as breeding media.
Each female fly may lay as many as 500 eggs on the fruit or juice deposit. A small dirty white maggot develops and under summer conditions may reach adulthood in 8 to 10 days.
Constant sanitation procedures are required in garbage and trash areas where fruit, vegetables, and trash are allowed to begin the decaying process.
    Fruit Fly Control
 
  • Clean trash and garbage areas.
  • Keep all drains clean and clear of fruit, vegetable, or other food material.
  • Clean water and debris from under the refrigerator before enough food can collect to allow breeding in that site.
  • Don't forget potatoes or onions in storage cabinets.
  • Remember, they can also breed in milk, beer, or fruit juice left in containers.
    Blow Fly
    These are large metallic blue flies which buzz and are generally found outdoors. They are primarily scavengers that feed on foods such as garbage, dead animals, and dog manure.
    Blow Fly Control
 
  • Sanitation. Clean up garbage, dog manure, and dead animals.
  • Fly sprays are usually not needed and are seldom effective in controlling fly problems.

CAUTION: When using an insecticide within the house, you should always consider the possibility of damage to woodwork, tile, carpet or fabric. If in doubt about the possible damaging effects of a chemical on household items, spray a small area or portion of a fabric and observe for damage. Also, be sure to consider the safety of children and pets (dogs, birds, fish, etc.) before using an insecticide inside the home.

For additional information see OCES publications F-7312 Household Pest Control, and Circular E-918 Major Horticultural & Household Insects of Oklahoma.