Insect identification

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Vespula spp.

Identification

• Adults vary in size 15-20mm.

Characteristics
Black head and thorax, black and yellow patterning on abdomen.

Control
PestWest sticky traps and electronic fly killers are particularly effective at attracting and controlling wasps.

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.

Culicoides spp.

Identification

• Dark brown/black in colour.
• Wingspan 3-4mm.

Characteristics
Will swarm in large numbers and inflict bites.

Control
Insect repellents should be used when outdoors to prevent bites. Chameleon® sticky traps will attract and control midges.

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.