Flies in Oklahoma
The house fly is one of the most annoying pests of the summer months. There is nothing more annoying than a fly that keeps trying to use you as its resting spot regardless of the number of times you swat it away. House flies are particularly troublesome as adults. There are many species of house flies, each with unique behaviors and habitats. The housefly is more than annoying, however, as it can be instrumental in the spreading of filth and disease. House flies are known to contribute to around 65 diseases including E. coli, Typhoid fever, and Salmonella. House flies can also be a food source for birds, which helps control their population.
Taking advantage of modern pest control techniques can help manage house fly infestations more effectively. Using the latest technology in pest control ensures a more efficient and thorough treatment, similar to how our site is built with the latest technology for faster and easier navigation. House flies feed on many things from the food we eat, to garbage, to rotting carcasses. As they land on various objects they spread this filth from item to item. They can gain entry into our homes when doors open, or through cracks and crevices in screens and windows. These methods ensure a safer and cleaner home environment. Modern pest control methods are faster and more effective than traditional methods. Our site is optimized for supported browsers, so please upgrade your browser for the best experience.
Flatline Pest Control is committed to providing the best experience for its customers. Our friendly staff at Flatline Pest Control is equipped to handle even the worst House Fly infestations. Our Treatment options make it easy for you to enjoy your home with the peace of mind you deserve!
Ask us about our organic pesticide options for house fly infestation!
Types of Flies
With over 125,000 known species, flies are incredibly diverse in size, shape, and behavior. They can be broadly classified into two main categories: true flies (order Diptera) and non-true flies (order Mecoptera). True flies, such as houseflies, blowflies, and fruit flies, are the most commonly encountered. Non-true flies include crane flies and midges, which have distinct characteristics and habitats.
True flies can be further divided into suborders like Brachycera (short-horned flies) and Nematocera (long-horned flies). Some common types of flies you might encounter include:
Houseflies (Musca domestica): These are the typical flies found buzzing around homes and garbage.
Blowflies (Chrysops spp.): Known for their metallic sheen, blowflies are often found near decaying matter.
Fruit flies (Drosophila spp.): Tiny and often seen around overripe fruits, these flies are a common kitchen nuisance.
Crane flies (Tipulidae): Resembling large mosquitoes, crane flies are harmless and often found near water.
Midges (Chironomidae): These small flies are usually found near water bodies and can form large swarms.
Each type of fly has its unique characteristics, habits, and habitats, making them fascinating yet often troublesome creatures.
Life Cycle of Flies
The life cycle of flies is a fascinating process that consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Female flies lay their eggs in suitable locations such as soil, water, or decaying organic matter. These eggs soon hatch into larvae, commonly known as maggots, which feed on the surrounding materials to grow.
The larval stage can last from a few days to several weeks, depending on the species and environmental conditions. During this time, larvae molt several times, shedding their skin to accommodate their increasing size. Once fully grown, the larvae enter the pupal stage, forming a protective casing around themselves.
Inside the pupa, a dramatic transformation occurs, and the larva emerges as a fully formed adult fly. Adult flies feed on nectar, sugary substances, and other sources of energy to fuel their activities. This stage is the longest in a fly’s life cycle, during which they mate, lay eggs, and begin the cycle anew.
Fly Behavior and Habitat
Flies are incredibly adaptable and can be found in almost every habitat on Earth, from deserts to rainforests, and from freshwater to saltwater environments. They are attracted to various food sources, including sugary substances, decaying organic matter, and animal waste. Using their keen sense of smell and vision, flies navigate their environment and locate food.
Some flies, like houseflies, are highly social and live in large groups, while others, such as crane flies, are solitary and only come together to mate. Flies play essential roles in ecosystems as pollinators and seed dispersers. They are also a crucial food source for many animals, including birds, bats, and spiders.
Flies can thrive in a wide range of environments, from bustling urban areas to serene natural habitats, showcasing their remarkable adaptability.
Fly-Borne Diseases
Flies are notorious for transmitting a range of diseases to humans and animals. Some of the diseases they can spread include Typhoid fever, Dysentery, Cholera, Leptospirosis, and Tuberculosis. Flies pick up disease-causing pathogens from contaminated food, water, and surfaces, and then transmit these pathogens through their saliva, feces, or regurgitated food.
In addition to bacterial and viral diseases, flies can act as vectors for parasites such as tapeworms and roundworms. Preventing fly-borne diseases requires proper sanitation, hygiene, and effective fly control measures. By maintaining a clean environment and using appropriate pest control methods, the risk of disease transmission can be significantly reduced.
Fly Control Methods
Effective fly control methods can be divided into two main categories: non-chemical and chemical. Non-chemical methods focus on sanitation and hygiene practices, eliminating food sources and breeding sites, and using fly traps and screens. Biological control methods, such as introducing natural predators or parasites, can also be effective.
Chemical methods include the use of insecticides like pyrethroids and organophosphates, fly baits, and sprays. Aerosol sprays and foggers can provide quick relief from fly infestations. Integrated pest management (IPM) approaches combine multiple control methods to achieve the best results.
Choosing the most appropriate control method depends on the type of fly, the severity of the infestation, and the environmental context. By using a combination of techniques, you can ensure a safer and cleaner home environment, free from the nuisance of flies.
Locations
