Fly Identification & Prevention

What You Need to Know About Flies

Thousands of different kinds of flies live worldwide, with a handful making a name for themselves as common household pests. Flies are prolific breeders and can take over our properties in Athens, Georgia, and the surrounding area in the blink of an eye. Our pest guide provides the information necessary to keep these flying pests away from you and your family with the help of our team.

American Pest Control is here to help! Call us at (706) 702-4532 or fill out our online contact form today.

What are flies?

Flies set themselves apart from other insects with their single pair of transparent wings; most insects have two pairs. Instead of a second pair of wings, flies have a pair of balancing organs called halters. Other physical features of most adult flies include spongy mouthparts, short antennae, large compound eyes, six legs, and short hairs on the abdomen.

Flies undergo complete metamorphosis. Immature fly larvae (maggots) emerge from fly eggs usually laid on decaying organic matter. They have small, cream-colored, worm-like bodies that soon develop into pupae and then into new adults.

Fruit flies and house flies are some of the most common species that find their way onto our properties.

Are flies dangerous?

Flies are scavenging pests that feed on and lay their eggs on decaying debris. Diseases that flies regularly spread include Salmonella and E. Coli. Because flies only have one pair of wings, they tend to be weak fliers; they constantly take off and land on surfaces, adding to the speed at which they spread parasites, bacteria, and other pathogens. Filth flies, like house flies, pose serious health risks and have the potential to contaminate large amounts of food, making them pests that we need to safeguard our homes against and keep away from our families.

Why do I have a fly problem?

Flies thrive in Athens and the surrounding areas because of our hot, humid climate. Fly development is based on temperature; the hotter it is outside, the faster their eggs develop into new adults. They can develop from egg to adult in optimal temperatures in only seven days. After mating, each female lays several different batches of eggs. Usually, there are around 100 eggs in each batch. As you can see, even just a few of these insects finding their way to your property can quickly become a large, difficult-to-manage fly infestation!

Most of our yards provide flies ample places to forage for food and for the females to lay their eggs. The more flies you have swarming your property, the more likely they will wind up inside your home.

Fruit flies often become a problem inside homes after purchasing infested fruits and vegetables from grocery stores, farm stands, or pet stores.