- Lesser House Fly
- Blow Fly
- Cluster Fly
- Fungus Gnat
- Fruit Fly
- Mosquito
- Wasp
- Phorid / Scuttle /
Coffin Fly - Biting Midge
- House Fly
Lesser House Fly
Fannia canicularis
Identification
- Adult is 3.5 – 6mm.
- Has 3 brown stripes on the thorax.
- Abdomen has yellow margin.
Characteristics
Like to live in decaying organic debris, including carcasses, and animal manure. Found often in food service facility bathrooms.
Control
- Sanitation is the key.
- PestWest Insect light traps.
- Drying the areas of breeding.
Blow Fly
Calliphora spp.
Identification
- Adults are 10-12mm.
- Have a dull thorax with a metallic abdomen.
Characteristics
Often used in deciding time of death in crime scene investigation. 1100 species worldwide.
Control
- Sanitation as in removal of breeding material (carcasses).
- Removal of the dirt or area adjacent if available.
- PestWest Insect light traps.
Cluster Fly
Pollenia rudis
Identification
- Adults are 7-9mm.
- Thorax usually lacking distinct stripes but possesses numerous wrinkly yellow/golden hairs (may be absent in older specimens).
- Abdomen with irregular lighter areas.
Characteristics
Larvae parasitize earthworms. During cold weather, large numbers of flies aggregate within attics and structural voids (with warm temperatures-emerge indoors).
Control
- Exclude through sealing and appropriate insecticidal treatment of openings leading into void areas.
- Window Wonder Trap with Cluster Fly Lure at the base of windows (especially on western and southern exposures). Place Window Wonder Trap with Cluster Fly Lure in walk-up attics or above suspended ceilings where Cluster flies are observed.
- PestWest Insect light traps are very effective.
Fungus Gnat
Sciara thomae
Identification
- Adults are small 3-5mm.
- Dark in color almost black.
Characteristics
Pollinators. Larvae feed on fungi, frequently associated with plant roots, aid in decomposition. Typically found in overwatered houseplants.
Control
- Look at plants with secondary decorative pots.
- Look for plants inside that were recently brought indoors or have had potting soil changed recently.
Fruit Fly
Drosophila spp.
Identification
- Adults are 4-6 mm.
- Tan color with abdominal stripes.
- Red or dark eyes.
- First set of cells on the wings are thickened
Characteristics
Fruit fly is widely used in genetic research.
Control
- Sanitation is critical.
- Window Wonder Trap for floor-level monitoring and secondary control.
- Demi Diamond for elevated spatial, walk-by monitoring and secondary control (add desired lure such as malted vinegar to the 30 ml reservoir at the bottom of washable station).
- PestWest Insect light traps are effective.
Mosquito
Culex spp.
Identification
- Adults vary in size 5-16mm.
- Scaled wings and body.
- Slender body with long legs.
Characteristics
Vectors of many human and animal diseases. Immature stages live in a variety of moist environments.
Control
- Drain water in containers and pool areas.
- Be sure screens are in good shape.
- Keep vegetation to manageable levels, especially next to water.
- Use protective creams containing DEET on the outside.
Scuttle / Phorid Fly
Megaselia spp.
Identification
- Adults are 5-6mm.
- Dark flies humpbacked in appearance.
- Wing veins have a dark edge in the first cells.
Characteristics
Have a habit of ‘running’ before they fly. 3000 species in 230 genera. Can be found in carcasses.
Control
- Sanitation is the key.
- PestWest Insect light traps.
- Look for areas with decaying organic debris left for more than a few days.
Common Housefly
Musca domestica.
Identification
- Adults are 6-9mm
- 4 longitudinal stripes on their thorax.
- Underside of the abdomen is yellow.
- Red compound eyes (males are closer together).
- 4th Large wing vein has a sharp upward bend.
Characteristics
Live in moist organic debris. Capable of carrying and possibly transferring over 100 different human pathogens. The life cycle speeds up in warmer temperatures.
Control
- Sanitation is the key.
- PestWest Insect light traps are very effective.
Please click HERE or image to download “Fly Identification”.