Flies
Cluster Fly
Description
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Biology
The female lays eggs in the soil near the burrows of earthworms. The tiny maggots that hatch from the eggs seek out earthworms to feed upon. As cold weather progresses, adults seek protected places to spend the winter, particularly during September and October (activity can often be noted again in early spring). In many cases the flies seek shelter within walls, roof voids and attics, usually returning to the same building year after year and often favouring south facing buildings.
Control
Complete control of cluster flies is almost impossible since the over wintering adults are concealed in walls, attics, etc. When possible, cover the louver to the attic with screen, and use a caulking compound to seal openings to the outside. Adults are sluggish enough in the winter to be picked up with a vacuum cleaner. Smoke and ULV treatments will provide a knock-down in lofts, but as with any loft treatment, always check first for the presence of Bats before proceeding.
Fruit Flies
Description
The adult flies are very small insects, about 3mm long. Body colour is usually a light yellow to tan colour and the abdomen is grey underneath. A common characteristic of the flies is distinctive red eyes.
Biology
Female fruit flies lay their eggs on the surface of rotting fruit, fermenting juices, soured milk etc. Fruit fly larvae feed on the yeast organisms and fungi growing in the fruit and vegetable materials. Through their feeding efforts, they soon turn their food into a semi-liquid mess and given their biology, they are a common pest in pubs and commercial kitchens.
Control
Should fruit or filter flies become abundant, a careful search for the larval breeding areas should be made, and the necessary housekeeping or maintenance measures taken. Any lingering adult flies may be controlled by the use of a residual insecticide or ULV treatment. Stagnant water may be treated with Bti (bacillus).
Common House Fly
Description
Adults, 6 mm long with a wingspan of 13-15mm and the 4th vein on the wing bends sharply forward. The thorax has 4 distinct stripes.
Biology
The eggs are laid in decaying material, particularly rubbish dumps and manure heaps. Under ideal conditions it can take as little as 2 weeks to complete its life cycle.
Control
Removal and exclusion of breeding sites, such as refuse areas, is essential. Space sprays with a knockdown action are a good method of control and again proofing of doors and windows. Unlike the Lesser House Fly, electric fly killers can be effective at killing these flies when they enter premises.
Lesser House Fly
Description
Adults, 6 mm long with 12 mm wingspan. They have a grey thorax with 3 longitudinal stripes, less pronounced than those of the Common Housefly. The base of abdomen has an extensive yellow patch. At rest, wings are folded along back; venation shows 4th vein extending straight to wing margin. They have an erratic flight pattern and are often seen flying in large numbers around indoor light fittings. The Lesser housefly is more tolerant of cool conditions than the Common housefly.
Biology
When the eggs are laid they are about 1mm long and they hatch in 24 to 48 hours. Larval development is 8 days and they have 3 skin moults. Larvae are 6 mm when fully grown. Lifecycle from egg to adult takes about 3 weeks and they breed mainly in poultry manure.
Control
Good hygiene is necessary to limit potential breeding sites and food sources. Entry of adult flies into buildings can be prevented by proofing doors and windows. Spraying alighting surfaces with a residual insecticide will also have some effect. Application of larvacides to animal manure is also a good method of control within agriculture, helping to control infestations at source.
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