Fly Identification & Prevention

Are Flies Dangerous?

In addition to being annoying, flies pose health risks to people, making them dangerous to have on our properties. Flies come into contact with large amounts of parasites, bacteria, and viruses as they fly to and from food sources and breeding sites. When these flying pests get into our homes, they make people ill by spreading pathogens like E. coli, cholera, and salmonella.

Another issue with flies is that their presence is a huge annoyance. No one can enjoy their home when they constantly have to swat flies away from themselves and their food.

Why do I have a fly problem?

Flies are opportunistic and will become a problem in any indoor or outdoor space providing them with food and breeding sites.

Things that can attract flies to our properties and provide them with food and a place for the females to lay their eggs include:

• Open trash cans or recycling bins.
• Decaying vegetation in vegetable or fruit gardens.
• Standing water.
• Clogged gutters.
• Pet food and pet excrement.
• Outdoor eating and cooking areas.

When flies live and forage around your yard in large numbers, it is only a matter of time before they will get into your home through an open window or door or any other entry points they discover.

Where will I find flies?

Flies thrive in warm temperatures. In Maryland, flies are most problematic during the spring, summer, and fall months. They usually aren't a problem outside during the winter, but some species move indoors to overwinter, and our warm homes allow them to stay active.

When flies get into our homes, they hang out in areas near food and moisture sources.

• The kitchen
• The bathroom
• Basements
• Attics
• Wall voids near leaky pipes

If you are seeing a large number of flies in or around your home, it is best to take quick action. Contact a professional to find the source of the infestation and provide the treatments necessary to eliminate them!