Fly Infestation

Flies in your home or business are not only a nuisance but can also be serious problem as they can bring health risks with them such as salmonella and E-coli.

Eraserpest have the knowledge to find a solution and effectively control flies so you know you can trust us to deal with any size of fly infestation.

What are the different species of Flies commonly found as a pest in the UK?

Bluebottle Flies (Calliphora Vomitoria)

• Sometimes called a blow fly
• Around 10-14mm long
• The head and thorax are dull grey, and the abdomen is metallic blue with black markings with the whole body
• Legs covered with bristle like black hair
• They are attracted to rotting organic material and faeces and will lay their eggs in these too which makes them known to carry diseases
• Once the maggots hatch from the eggs they feed on the decaying matter they were born in
• After a few days they will move off to somewhere dry and burrow into soil or similar matter to form into brown cocoons
• They hatch 2-3 weeks later, although during cold weather they can hibernate until the temperature rise

Common House Flies (Musca Domestica)

• Dull grey
• Around 6-8mm long with four dark stripes on their thorax
• Lay eggs on faeces or in general waste
• The maggots are white and can grow up to 12mm long
• Once fully grown they then go into their pupal stage and make a dark brown cocoon before emerging as an adult house fly
• Travel over a mile to find a suitable egg laying site

Cluster Flies (Pollena Rudis)

• Also be known as grass flies or attic flies
• Approximately 6-10mm long
• Short golden coloured hairs on their thorax as well as stripes behind the head
• Typically, slow moving
• As the name suggests large numbers of the fly’s cluster, usually around windows and in attics or lofts attempting to stay warm and hibernate for the winter
• They lay their eggs near the earthworm’s burrows and once hatched the larvae then feed on the worms

Drain Flies (Psychodidae)

• Also known as sink flies, filter flies and sewer gnats
• Between 1-2mm long
• They have furry wings and bodies which are black or brown
• They breed in drains, sewers and soil contaminated with sewage
• Said to be harmless, however they can be very annoying
• The larvae feed on bacteria
• They are transparent with black heads and are between 4-5mm long
• The first step to treating drain flies is to use a good drain cleaning product.

Fruit Flies (Drosophila Melanogaster)

• Also known as vinegar flies
• Approximately 2-3mm long
• Yellow-brown colour with red eyes and tends to hover
• Commonly found in breweries, fermenting residues in pubs and fruit orchards or in fruit
• They lay their eggs near the surface of organic materials, fermented food, empty bottles and sometimes drains
• The eggs are around 0.5mm long and hatch after 12 hours
• The best way to get rid of fruit flies is with fruit fly traps, these can be made at home or brought as part of a treatment programme from Eraserpest

How to get rid of Flies?

A key measure to get ride of and prevent a fly infestation is through cleaning. Cleaning will remove potential areas for flies to lay eggs, as they can reproduce very quickly.

Removing decaying food such as meat, fruit, vegetables, and faeces as these attract the common house fly. Fruit flies like sugary substances and will feed on overripe fruit, spilled soft drinks and alcohol. Drain flies typically seek moist areas to lay their eggs, so keeping your property and drains clean and dry as possible will reduce opportunities for them to breed.

The faster you get rid of flies the better. If you tried these methods and still have a problem, then give us a call. We will be more than happy to advise you through the process. We provide fly treatments in houses, businesses, and the agricultural sector.

Our fly pest control treatment follows a 5-step programme with a 6th as an optional extra.

1. Carry out a professional survey to work out what fly species you have and the level of infestation
2. Advise you on any good housekeeping measures to keep flies away
3. Advise on proofing measures to stop the flies gaining access and carry out the necessary work
4. Use the most effective treatments to control the flies
5. Monitor by keeping in contact with you and or further inspections to ensure the fly population does not come back

Using our specialist machinery, we can mist either:

• A biocide effective against bacteria and viruses through anywhere that contamination could pose a risk to you
• A highly effective odour control product which will get rid of any smells the flies or maggots may have left

How much does fly pest control cost?

For a quote on fly pest control, do not hesitate to contact us via email at contact@eraserpest.com or call us on 07572 458216.