Fly Identification & Prevention

Flies are insects, and all true flies have only one pair of wings instead of the two pairs most other insects have.

Though mainly seen as a nuisance out in nature, flies provide some significant benefits to the ecosystem. Depending on the species, they can act as pollinators or predators. Flies provide a food source for other animals, and as they feed, they help get rid of decaying organic matter. Flies have short lifespans but reproduce quickly and in large numbers. When flies find their way into our yards or homes, they can take over if you don't take fast action.

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.

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.

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!

Flies are one of the most frustrating pests that home and business owners deal with on a regular basis. The best way to get rid of flies and stop them from returning is to partner with a local and experienced professional.

At Womack Pest Control, we provide personalized and exceptional pest control solutions in Montgomery County and the greater Maryland area. We know how to keep the flies living in Maryland out of your home and away from your family.

Call today, so we can work together to solve your fly problems and learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control services!

There are many things you can do in and around your home to prevent problems with flies. Here are some of our top prevention tips.

• Never leave windows or doors open for long periods.
• Repair torn screens.
• Do not leave food out on counters or tables. After eating, quickly put food away.
• Keep locking lids on trash cans and recycling bins- regularly clean out and sanitize both.
• Never store fruits or vegetables out on counters or tables; keep them in the fridge.

For more information about our area's most common flies and how to keep them at bay, please call today!