What are Flies?
Flies are a type of insect characterized by two wings and a segmented body. They belong to the order Diptera, which means "two wings." Flies are found all over the world, in a wide range of environments, from forests to deserts, and they come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.
Flies are known for their ability to fly quickly and erratically, making them difficult to catch. They have large compound eyes, which allow them to see movement and detect changes in light, and a pair of antennae, which they use to detect odors.
Flies play an important role in the ecosystem as pollinators and decomposers, but they can also be pests, as some species feed on blood or can transmit diseases to humans and animals. Common types of flies include house flies, fruit flies, blow flies, and horse flies, among others.
What kinds of flies are there?
House Flies
House flies are the most common type of fly found in homes and other indoor environments. They are gray in color, about 1/4 inch long, and have four dark stripes on their thorax.
Fruit Flies
Fruit flies are small, brownish-yellow flies that are commonly found in kitchens and other areas where food is present. They are attracted to fermenting fruit and other sweet, sugary substances.
Horse Flies
Horse flies are large, biting flies that are typically found near bodies of water, such as rivers or lakes. They are about 1 inch long and have a dark, shiny body.
Cluster Flies
Cluster flies are large, sluggish flies that are commonly found in homes during the fall and winter months. They are about 1/2 inch long and have a dark gray body with golden hairs on their thorax. They are often found in large groups, hence their name.
While it is true that flies play a role in the ecosystem, they are primarily known for their negative impacts on human health and comfort. Flies are notorious pests that can carry and transmit disease-causing organisms, making them a significant threat to public health. They are particularly problematic in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene, where they can quickly breed and spread pathogens.
In addition to their role as disease vectors, flies can also cause significant economic losses. They are a major nuisance in many commercial settings, such as food processing facilities and restaurants, where they can contaminate food products and damage the reputation of the business. Fly infestations can also result in costly clean-up and extermination efforts.
Despite their negative impacts, flies continue to thrive in various environments and have even adapted to resist many control measures. This resilience, combined with their short life cycle and rapid reproductive rate, makes them a persistent problem for humans.
While flies may have some ecological significance, their negative impacts on human health and economic well-being cannot be overlooked. Effective control measures, such as sanitation and pest management strategies, are crucial to mitigate their harmful effects and ensure public health and safety.
Shoo fly, don’t bother our customers!
Alta Pest Control proudly offers fly control services in Washington, Kansas, Oklahoma, Virginia, and Texas. Thanks to our advanced training and certification, as well as our vast industry experience, we know how to approach each job based specifically on the variant of fly that is infesting the property. If you want the flies to buzz off as soon as possible, then you should pick up the phone and dial (866) 290-9502 now.
