How to Get Rid of Flies

How to Identify Flies

The common house fly is about a quarter inch long, dull gray, with four dark stripes on the thorax, large reddish eyes and a single pair of wings. It is the fly most people see indoors, especially near kitchens and trash. Blow flies and bottle flies look similar in size and shape but have a distinctive shiny, metallic green, blue or bronze body, and their presence often signals decaying organic matter, an animal carcass or garbage nearby. Both are strong fliers, are drawn to food, waste and warmth, and lay eggs that develop very quickly into the next generation.

Signs of an Flies Problem

• Adult flies repeatedly buzzing around kitchens, windows, trash and food
• Clusters of flies resting on walls, ceilings or window screens
• Small dark specks of fly excrement on walls, light fixtures or surfaces
• Shiny metallic green or blue blow flies indoors, hinting at a decaying source nearby
• Flies concentrated around garbage cans, drains, pet areas or compost
• A sudden indoor swarm, which can point to a dead animal in a wall or attic

Why Flies Are a Problem

• Flies carry bacteria and pathogens that can cause food poisoning and illness
• They contaminate food and prep surfaces every time they land
• They can transfer organisms that cause diarrhea, dysentery and other infections
• A heavy indoor swarm of blow flies can signal a hidden dead animal
• Persistent flies make kitchens and dining areas unsanitary and unpleasant

Why DIY Often Falls Short

Swatting flies and hanging a few sticky strips only deals with the adults you can see, while the real problem is the breeding source producing new flies faster than you can kill them. Store-bought sprays offer short-lived knockdown but do nothing about the rotting garbage, soiled drain, pet waste or hidden carcass where eggs are being laid, so the flies keep coming back within days. Many homeowners never locate the source at all, especially when it is inside a wall, under an appliance or in an attic. Without finding and removing or treating the breeding material, no amount of spraying provides lasting relief.

How a Professional Handles Flies

• A licensed pest control professional will inspect to locate the breeding source driving the infestation
• A pro can treat or help eliminate the organic material where flies are laying eggs
• Professional treatment typically involves targeted residual products on resting surfaces and entry areas
• A pro can recommend or install fly-control devices in problem areas such as kitchens and entryways
• A professional will identify whether shiny blow flies point to a hidden dead animal that must be removed
• A pro can advise on sanitation and exclusion to keep new flies from establishing

How to Prevent Flies

• Keep trash in bins with tight lids, empty them often and rinse them to remove residue
• Clean up food spills, crumbs and grease promptly and store food in sealed containers
• Remove pet waste from the yard daily and keep litter and animal areas clean
• Install or repair tight-fitting screens on windows and doors
• Keep compost enclosed and well away from doors and windows
• Address any decaying organic matter, standing filth or dead animals quickly

Flies FAQs