There are many species of flies, but only a few are
common household pests, including house flies, stable flies,
and blow flies. Stable flies bite, but are not a major disease
vector. Other fly species do not bite, but may contaminate food
or food preparation surfaces.
Identification
House Fly
Readily entering structures, house flies are most
abundant during the hotter summer months. Less than 3/8 inch
in length, house flies have four dark stripes on the top of the
thorax. Eggs are laid in warm, moist organic material such
as animal manure, compost bins, and decaying fruit and
vegetables. To control house flies, keep garbage and compost in
closed containers and remove animal wastes and other organic
materials. Sticky ‘flypaper’ strips can be used to eliminate
small numbers of flies in closed areas, but are not effective
outdoors.
