FLYING INSECTS
Flying Insects
Flies can be a nuisance when buzzing around the home, particularly if in large numbers. However, some species of fly also pose a health risk.
In particular, Bluebottles and House Flies transmit a wide range of diseases including salmonella, dysentery, tuberculosis, cholera and parasitic worms. In this country, mosquitoes are less likely to spread disease than in the tropics, but the irritation caused by the bites can still be distressing, particularly for children.
Types of flies
There are thousands of different species of fly but the most common fly problems are caused by:
– Houseflies – adults 6-7mm. Female houseflies lay 400-600 eggs in decaying matter or faeces, which develop into maggot larvae. Attracted to any uncovered food or organic waste.
– Blow Flies or Bottle Flies – Adults 6-12mm, usually metallic blue or green but can be black or grey. Significant numbers in a house will often indicate a dead animal (such as a mouse) in the property.
– Cluster Flies – adults 6-10mm. Cluster flies often take shelter over the winter inside homes (such as in attics) and can occur in very large numbers in the home as they emerge in the spring.
– Mosquitoes – adults 5mm. Tend to be found near still water where their larvae develop. Our guide to insect bites advises on treatment for bites.
Treatment of flies
While DIY products can deal with smaller fly problems, a professional pest control service will be required for larger or multiple infestations Swift Pest Solutions technicians understand the habits of each species and also have a range of powerful insecticides to deal with flies and provide the reassurance that the problem has been fully dealt with.