When you have flies flying around your house, you could probably care less about what type of fly it is. It’s helpful to know, however, that there are big differences between the two most common flies that invade your home, and we are here to explain them.
House flies are gray with two distinct stripes on their face, large red eyes, and spongy mouthparts. The adult house fly varies in size from 1/8 to a 1/4 inch, whereas the larvae or maggots range from 1/4 to 3/8 inch. Maggots are cream colored and look like fat short corrugated worms with one tapered end. House flies in any form are disgusting, as they feed and breed in rotten food and garbage. They thrive in unsanitary conditions and are carriers of disease organisms. They are known to be responsible for salmonella, E. coli, and food poisoning. These flies get inside homes through torn screens, cracks in window and door frames, and crevices in walls and foundations. They can be hard to get rid of, and can be a problem throughout the year if given the chance to settle in and lay eggs.
Fruit flies are tiny beige flies with black rings, possess red or dark eyes, and are about a 1/8 inch plus or minus depending on the type. Their larvae are small, whitish-yellow, legless, and have a pointed head. You will find these flies circling fruit bowls, wine glasses, garbage cans, and dirty mops. The adults will hang out around window and door frames and sills, as well as wall areas. When they are outside, they tend to be attracted to garbage, dumpsters, composts, and decaying fruits and vegetables. Fruit flies carry germs and bacteria and contribute to many diarrhea-causing illnesses. They get into homes through cracks and crevices, but can also be brought in on produce from your own garden or the grocery store. They can also be a danger throughout the year and difficult to eradicate.
Regardless of what kind of flies are invading your home, you will just want them gone, period! Here’s how year-round pest control can help. If you live in Minnesota or Western Wisconsin, you can call Adam’s Pest Control. We provide pest control, pest management, and pest elimination services. Our Premier Home Pest Prevention program involves a visit every 3 months, three of which focus on the exterior of your home, and one of which focuses on the interior. This service plan allows us to eliminate pests from the inside and prevent pests from the outside. We treat where needed, and use innovative techniques and advanced methods to guard your house against encroaching pests. Also, if there is ever a problem in between visits, we will return to solve the problem, without additional fees. So, if you want year-round pest prevention, competitive prices, emergency service, and a full guarantee, give us a call today.
