FLIES
Order: Diptera
The True Flies
From blood suckers to scavengers, no animal is responsible for the deaths of humans and more economic loss than flies. It has been stated that over 50% of the world’s population is directly affected by fly-borne pathogens and parasites.
Recent human history has been so affected by the transmission of diseases, i.e. typhoid and malaria epidemics, it has changed the course of military battles and destroyed the economic development in many societies.
Flies of importance to homeowners, businesses and industries fall into several groups:
The Humpbacked Fly
Successful treatment of flies requires an immense amount of knowledge and persistence.
Domestic Flies Non-Biting House Flies
House fly eggs are laid in almost any moist material. House flies are attracted to a variety of food materials, however they can ingest liquid materials. Solid food is liquefied by means of regurgitated saliva.
Daytime
House flies will rest on any surface.
Night time
House flies are found close to their daytime food supply at 5-15 feet from the ground.
Control
The non-chemical control of the house fly is sanitation, exclusion and habitat destruction. The best chemical control is with residual insecticides, pyrethrins, contact sprays, baits, traps and larvicides.
Flesh Flies
Flesh flies love animal carcasses, animal manure & garbage.
Control
Non-chemical control of the flesh flies is sanitation and habitat destruction.
Chemical control is best with residual insecticides and contact sprays.
Blow Flies
Blow flies prefer animal carcasses, animal manure & garbage.
Control
Non-chemical control is sanitation and habitat destruction.
Chemical control is residual insecticides, contact sprays and larvicides.
Fruit Flies
Prefer decaying fruits, vegetables and garbage.
Control
Non-chemical control is sanitation and habitat destruction.
Chemical control is residual insecticides and contact sprays.
Phorid Flies
Prefer decaying vegetation and animal matter.
Control
Non-chemical control is sanitation, habitat destruction and moisture control.
Chemical control is residual insecticides and contact sprays.
Moth Flies
Prefer decaying organic matter around drains and sewers.
Control
Non-chemical control is sanitation, habitat destruction and moisture control.
Chemical control is residual insecticides and contact sprays.
Cluster Flies
Cluster flies are parasitic on earth worms.
Control
Non-chemical control is exclusion by means of screening, weather stripping and caulking around eaves, windows, etc.
Chemical control is with residual insecticides and contact sprays.
Biting Flies that attack humans
The adult stages of midges, eye gnats, horse flies, deer flies, black flies and stable flies.
Control
With non-chemical control each of the biting flies that attack humans requires habitat destruction. Chemical control is with residual insecticides, contact sprays and repellent.
Gnats
Often referred to as sand flies, no-see-ums, punky and black gnats.
Eggs are laid in marshes, mud debris, plant debris, standing water, and damp holes in trees. These insects can deliver a severe bite that may take weeks to heal. They constitute a threat outdoors near homes, business, schools, recreational areas and summer resorts.
Fungus Gnats
The fungus gnat is the most common species of gnats in and around the home. The fungus gnat is small and mosquito like either black, brown, red or yellow as adults. The larvae develop in moist organic environments and decaying plan matter. Fungus gnats can damage plant roots with prolonged infestation.
This adult gnat is harmless to humans but they are a persistent nuisance.
Non-Chemical Control Indoors
-Do not over water plants and allow moisture to accumulate.
-Remove garbage daily.
-Treat drains with approved chemicals.
-Do not leave un-cleaned dishes overnight including pet dishes.
-Mop floors with an appropriate mixture containing bleach.
-Using sticky traps on window sills, etc.
Chemical Control
Call Lone Pine Exterminating for a technician to come by and discuss mechanical recommendations and chemical controls that are available.
MOSQUITOES
Mosquitoes are found from the tropics to the artic area, from the hottest climate to the coldest climate. Mosquitoes are the only known means of transmission of the casual agents of malaria, yellow fever, types of encephalitis, dengue and filariasis.
Control
Non-chemical control is eliminating standing water in any area, this eliminates breeding sites. Keep weeds & brush mowed and cut away from the home or business. Keep shrubbery and other ornamentals well trimmed. Screening with an 18 gauge will keep out even small species of mosquitoes.
Chemical control of adult mosquitoes must be with a residual insecticide applied thoroughly over an entire area where mosquitoes congregate to be successful. Cold aerosols and thermal fogs for adult mosquitoes.
Personal Use
Repellents applied to areas of the exposed body will help for those who do not have to be concerned with the contents of the repellent. Read the label carefully and consult your physician.
Electronic devices, i.e. physical attractants are so limited please investigate before purchasing.
I hope this is informative and helpful in your pursuit to have fun outdoors and be comfortable indoors without persistent flies, gnats and mosquitoes interrupting your activities.
If Lone Pine Exterminating can be of service contact us on the web or call any of our service locations.
