House Flies
House flies (Musca domestica) are a common nuisance on farms, stables, and other animal facilities. They thrive in areas with manure and rotting organic matter. Follow these tips to reduce and prevent these flies:
Remove, dry, or concentrate manure and other organic waste.
Keep manure and organic matter dry to deter egg-laying.
Use Fly Predators to stop house flies from developing.
Place attracting traps outside buildings and sticky traps indoors.
Trim tall grass and weeds near animal areas.
Spray insect repellents on animals, avoiding areas where Fly Predators are active.
Avoid wide-area pesticide spraying as it harms beneficial insects.
Choose dewormers and larvicides that won’t harm dung beetles.
What Are House Flies?
House flies are among the most common fly species found near horses and livestock. These pests are not just a nuisance—they can also pose health risks by spreading diseases and contaminating food.
Physical Characteristics:
- Size: 3/16” to 5/16” in length.
- Color: Black body with four dark stripes on the thorax; abdomen is grayish or yellowish on the sides with a dark stripe down the middle.
- Eyes: Reddish with golden stripes around the edges, more separated in males.
- Wings: Clear and held straight back.
- Legs: Hairy, with adhesive pads and sharp claws for clinging to surfaces.
Why Are House Flies a Problem?
House flies are more than just annoying—they’ve been linked to the spread of over 30 bacterial and protozoan diseases. While they don’t frequently transmit these diseases, their potential impact on human and animal health makes them a concern.
Where They Thrive:
- Stables, poultry farms, dairies, and landfills.
- Areas with wet, decaying organic matter like manure, spilled feed, compost, and rotting plants.
Lifecycle of a House Fly
Understanding the fly lifecycle can help you control them more effectively.
Egg Stage:
- Females lay ~150 eggs per batch, typically on wet organic matter (manure, garbage, compost).
- Eggs hatch within 24 hours.
Larval Stage (Maggots):
- Tiny, creamy-white maggots feed on decaying matter.
- After feeding, they migrate to drier areas to pupate.
Pupal Stage:
- Maggots form cocoons (pupae) where they transform into adult flies.
Adult Stage:
- Adults emerge in about 8–14 days (as few as 8 days in warm temperatures).
- Females live up to 3.5 weeks, laying 4–6 batches of eggs in their lifetime.
How to Control House Flies Effectively
Most house flies develop at the same facility where you see adults. Addressing their breeding sites and lifecycle is key to effective control.
The Role of Fly Predators:
Fly Predators are small, beneficial insects that interrupt the fly lifecycle by targeting their immature stages. Adding Fly Predators is a proven way to control house flies without relying on harmful chemicals.
Additional Control Methods:
- Sanitation: Remove waste promptly and keep areas clean.
- Moisture Control: Dry out wet areas where flies breed.
- Traps: Place attracting traps outdoors and sticky traps indoors to catch adults.
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Combine biological control with proper sanitation and targeted repellent use for long-term success.
Fast Facts About House Flies
- House flies can travel up to ¼ mile or more but usually stay near their breeding site.
- They feed on a wide range of materials, including manure, garbage, and human food.
- House flies are strong fliers, making them challenging to control once populations grow.
Why Choose Spalding Labs for Fly Control?
Spalding Labs offers proven, science-backed solutions like Fly Predators to control house flies naturally and effectively. With over 45 years of experience, we’re trusted by horse and livestock owners across the country to keep fly populations in check.
Ready to stop flies before they start?
Contact Our Team
Reach out with questions or for a free consultation: 1-888-880-1579
