Fly Infestation, Fly Pest Control, Pest Problems, Pest Control in London

Flies

The two most common type of flies in London are:

1) Common house flies; and

2) Fruit flies

There are, however, numerous other types of flies, such as the “lesser house fly”, “cluster flies” and “phorid flies”.

Features/Biology

Common House Flies (Musca domestica)

House flies are 6-8mm long, with a wing span of 13-15mm. The female fly can begin mating within 2 days of emergence from her larvae. In summer the average life cycle from egg to adult is 2 weeks, but this can vary depending upon available food and temperatures. Flies like to lay eggs in moist fermenting or rotting matter, and especially something with a high protein content e.g. Meat or fish. Larvae (maggots) can hatch out of these eggs in 2-7 days.

Interestingly, the diet of the adult fly is mainly carbohydrate in liquid form, found in regurgitated digestive juices.

Fruit Flies (Drosophila spp.)

Fruit Flies are very small and only 2-3mm long. They can complete a life cycle in as little as 7 days (in 28ºC), but in cooler weather (12ºC) they can take up to 7 weeks to complete their life cycle. Female fruit flies lay their eggs on the surface of rotting fruits and vegetables, and each female can lay up to 500 eggs in a batch. These eggs hatch into larvae which feed on yeast organisms and fungi growing in infested material.

Problems/Risks

Flies are notorious for spreading disease by contaminating food and food preparation surfaces. Infestations can develop very quickly, as they are able to lay eggs and multiply extremely quickly. Flies can contaminate food, hereby causing food poisoning such as salmonella and e-coli, but even milder forms of gastroenteritis.

Recommended Treatment

Preventative techniques work best to control flies. E.g. Ensuring high levels of hygiene at all times, and make sure that all food is covered to prevent flies from laying their eggs.

When flies are present, Fly screens and Fly catching equipment, can help to control the fly population.
Where there is a major outbreak of flies has developed, the source of the infestation (where accessible) will need to be removed, and the area sprayed with an insecticide.