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.
- 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.
- Insect light traps.
Cluster Fly
Pollenia rudis
Identification
- Adults are 7-9mm.
- Has distinct stripes on the thorax with golden hairs.
- Gray pattern to the abdomen.
Characteristics
Parasitize earthworms. Found in large numbers in attics and voids during cold weather/winter months
Control
- Insect light traps are very effective.
- Protection through sealing and treatment of openings leading to void areas can sometimes be 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 4-6mm.
- Tan color with abdominal stripes.
- Red eyes.
- First set of cells on the wings are thickened.
Characteristics
A fly which is widely used by universities and genetic laboratories throughout the world.
Control
- Sanitation is the key.
- Insect light traps.
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.
Wasp
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.
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.
- Insect light traps.
- Look for areas with decaying organic debris left for more than a few days.
Biting Midge
em>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.
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.
- Insect light traps are very effective.
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