What are flies?
Flies are insects that belong to the order “Diptera,” which means two wings. Flies only have one pair of wings, while most other adult insects have two pairs. Flies are prolific breeders, and if the conditions are right can overtake any property. Most flies are scavengers and help to speed up the process of breaking down decaying matter. Outside and away from people, this habit is beneficial. However, when flies live near people, their feeding habits are unwelcome.
Are flies dangerous?
The biggest risk associated with flies is the health risks they pose. Many common species of flies in the Harvest, Alabama area like to land, feed on, and lay their eggs on moist decaying matter like garbage, compost, manure, and carrion. They pick up and carry on their legs and bodies a variety of disease-causing pathogens and parasites. When they get inside homes or businesses, they land on and contaminate food, food prep areas, and other surfaces.
When living in Alabama, it’s important to be aware of aggressive stable flies. These flies deliver painful bites to people, pets, and livestock in order to obtain a blood meal.
Why do I have a fly problem?
Flies can become a problem in any place there is access to food and breeding sites. Things like garbage, decaying vegetation, meat, excrement, fruits and vegetables, carrion, and fermenting liquids attract flies. You’ll find stable flies on properties with or located near livestock like horses and cows.
Where will I find flies?
Flies typically live and breed outdoors. You can often see them swarming together in large numbers around trash cans, compost bins, pet excrement, standing water, garden areas, and in and around barns.
These pests also find their way inside homes and businesses while out searching for breeding sites and food sources. They move inside through open windows and doors and spaces in exterior walls and the foundation. Kitchens, bathrooms, and pantries are common gathering places for flies because typically, there are sources of food and water for them to take advantage of. While flies are a nuisance, there are some ways to keep them out of your home.
How do I get rid of flies?
Get rid of flies by partnering with the trusted experts at Custom Pest Control. For over 20 years, we have been helping home and business owners maintain pest-free properties. If you are looking for a personal approach to pest control, look no further.
At Custom Pest Control, we customize our home and commercial pest control programs to meet the unique needs of each of our customers. Let our family protect your family from North Alabama’s toughest pests! For more information about our fly control service, reach out to Custom Pest Control, and speak with one of our friendly professionals today.
How can I prevent flies in the future?
The best way to prevent problems with flies is to partner with a professional and implement the following prevention tips in and around your Huntsville, Alabama home:
- Eliminate entry points into your home using a caulking gun to seal cracks in the foundation and exterior walls.
- Repair any loose or missing screens.
- Make sure outdoor trash cans and compost bins have locking or tight-fitting lids.
- Maintain drains and keep them free of clogs.
- Clean-up after pets and livestock daily.
- Store any leftover food either in the refrigerator or in containers with airtight lids.
- Wash dirty dishes daily.
- Quickly clean up liquid spills.