Posted November 9, 2017 by Sarah Malone
Category: Flies
Flies have always been a common problem in Australia. They also pose a major health concern around food premises as they transport pathogens and other food born illnesses in humans.
The most commonly found flies in our area are the fruit fly, drain fly and phorid flies which have an average fly lifespan of around 30 days. During this time a female fly can lay anywhere between 400-600 eggs. It is easy to see how a small problem can become a large infestation in such a short amount of time.
Do It Yourself Tips
There is a range of ways you can help tackle a fly infestation before summer hits, by making some small changes around your home such as cleaning, low-cost fly products or you can seek the help from a local Pest Control Technician.
Start by Limiting Food and Water Sources.
Flies are attracted to all types of food. It is vital to remove any possible food source to discourage them from laying eggs nearby. Ensure all leftovers are put away in sealed containers or platters are covered at all times when entertaining guests.
It is also important to clean up after all food preparation: removing crumbs, liquid spillage and other food scraps. Food contamination is commonly caused by fly contact.
Ensure all waste bins have sealed lids and clean up after pets, it is horrible to think that a fly may have landed in your pet’s faeces before landing on your food.
Clean up any dead flies as they can attract other pests into your property. Some blow flies can also give birth to maggots even after death depending on their development stage.
You should also have all leaking taps and clogged drains fixed. Flies will require a water source to multiply. Introducing goldfish to ponds can also help as they will eat flying insects and larvae that come into contact with the water.
Stay Tidy, Hygienic and Prevent Entry Points.
Ensure that all fly screens are correctly fitted and don’t contain any holes or gaps which allows access into your home. Keep all windows and doors shut which don’t have a screen.
It is a good idea to remove excess clutter within the house and garden. Flies tend to breed in a messy environment. So by removing un-needed items you are limiting their reproduction around your home.
If you have a bird feeder check that it is always kept clean and remove seed at night as it will also assist in removing another food source.
Fly Treatments
Once all areas have been cleaned and favourable environments have been reduced you can look at a professional service to help control flies further from your property. There is currently a range of products available to help treat flies depending on the type of building and where the infestation is occurring.
Some treatments include:
- Sprays
- Baits
- Dusting Powders
- Fogs
- Aerosol Mists
- Electronic Fly killers.
Unfortunately, as Flies need to come into contact with the chemical or lights, it then makes treatments harder than most other pests. By calling a licenced Pest Controller they will be able to assist you in controlling flies around your home and together you can help reduce the fly population around your property.