Moth Flies
Fruit Flies
Fruit Fly Identification
Fruit flies are small flies measuring about 1/8 inch in length, including their wings. Click here to see image of Fruit Fly. The key identifying characteristic of the fruit fly is its eyes, which are red in color. The head and thorax are tan in color with the abdomen somewhat darker. This fly is easily mistaken for the Phorid fly which has very similar markings but lacks red eye color. The Phorid fly also has a "humped back" appearance. Without the aid of a microscope or a good field magnifying glass, fruit flies would merely fall into the category of Small Flies, with elimination methods being similar for all flies in this category.
Fruit Fly Elimination
The key to controlling fruit fly infestations is to locate and eliminate their breeding sources. Although there are several sprays and traps used to kill flies in a home, restaurant or other structure, the infestation cannot be eliminated without eliminating their source. A space spray (Pyrethrin spray) can be used as a quick kill, reducing populations of flying insects. If you locate a drain that is a breeding ground for fruit flies, destroy the film in which the fly eggs and larvae are developing. A surface spray is not recommended in this situation, unless there are great numbers of flies resting on the surface of trash cans, dumpsters or exterior walls. Inspecting the area for possible breeding sources is the key for fruit fly elimination.
Identification of Moth Flies
The key identifying character for the moth fly is the unique pattern of veins in its wings. The entire body and wings of the moth fly are covered with tiny hairs, giving it a moth-like appearance. To the naked eye, this tiny pest might appear to be a small fly with fat wings; the aid of a magnifying glass reveals the unmistakable moth-like appearance. This small fly is no more than 1/8 inch in length including the wings. They are usually black in color.
Moth Fly Biology and Life History
Moth fly adults can be quite annoying in homes, appearing from sinks and bathtub drains. These pests breed in tremendous numbers in sewer plants and are easily blown towards homes by the wind. Their small size enables them to penetrate ordinary fly screens. There have been noted cases of bronchial asthma caused by inhaling the dust resulting from the disintegration of such small flies. Moth flies lay eggs in a mass of 30 to 100. These eggs hatch in less than 48 hours. The larvae and pupae of the moth fly live in the thin film found in drains, septic tank field lines or filter stones. The larvae feed on sediment, decaying vegetation and microscopic plants and animals. The larval stage lasts from 9 to 15 days and the pupal stage lasts from 20 to 40 hours. The newly emerged adult fly is sexually mature on emergence and copulates within the first few hours of its life.
Inspecting for Moth Flies
The key to eliminating a moth fly infestation is finding and eliminating the breeding sites. Moth fly larvae live in the moist film that develops on the sides of a drain and in the drain's trap. The presence of many adult flies inside a drain is a good sign that the drain is a breeding site. To check for possible breeding sites, place a length of tape across drains (or cracks in the floor) without totally covering the opening. If the opening is totally covered, there will be no air flow and flies will not emerge. Check the tape periodically. If flies are found stuck to your tape, you have found a source. Eliminating this source is discussed in Moth Fly Elimination. The number one source of moth fly infestations seems to be septic or sewer problems that have not been detected. The appearance of moth flies is often the first indication of another problem! There are many areas in a building where moth flies can breed, so do not end your inspection after you find one source. These pests love the organic debris found in sewers, septic tanks, drains, wet brooms and mops, even the soil close to a leaking or ruptured plumbing line. In homes, moth flies are generally found breeding in bathroom drains, particularly those in showers. Shower pans are prone to leaking and the area under the shower pan becomes an excellent breeding ground for moth flies. Do not overlook the outdoors in your inspection. Any sign of moisture on an exterior wall or under a home should be investigated.
Moth Fly Elimination
Although space sprays easily kill adult moth flies in a home and around patios and porches, they will not totally eliminate the fly infestation. Total control comes with locating and eliminating breeding sites discussed in Moth Fly Inspection. If a drain is found to be a breeding ground, clean the drain thoroughly (scrubbing it , if possible) and to destroy the film harboring the organisms.
Phorid Fly Identification
The phorids, also known as humpbacked flies, are small to minute flies that resemble fruit flies in appearance. The Phorid fly lacks the red eye color that is the classic trademark of the fruit fly. Phorid flies are in the small category of flies, measuring up to 1/8 inch in length, including the wings. The most prominent feature of this fly is the humpbacked shape of its thorax. The severe arch of the thorax gives it the common nickname of humpbacked fly. The most easily recognized feature (seen with the naked eye) is the habit of the adult Phorid fly running rapidly across surfaces instead of immediately flying when disturbed. Most flies immediately take flight. Phorid flies are also know as coffin flies, when found in mortuaries and mausoleums.
The key to controlling phorid fly infestations is to locate and eliminate their breeding sources. Although there are several sprays and traps used to kill flies in a home, restaurant or other structure, the infestation cannot be eliminated without eliminating their source. A space spray (Pyrethrin aerosol) can be used as a quick kill, reducing populations of flying insects. If you locate a drain that is a breeding ground for Phorid flies, destroy the film in which the fly eggs and larvae are developing. A surface spray is not recommended in this situation, unless there are great numbers of flies resting on the surface of trash cans, dumpsters or exterior walls. Inspecting the area for possible breeding sources is the key for Phorid fly elimination.
Phorid Fly Biology
The phorid fly breeds primarily in and feeds on moist decaying organic matter. Because it frequents unsanitary areas (with the ability to spread disease causing bacteria onto food products) this fly is of particular concern to hospitals, health care facilities and restaurants. The reproductive potential of these flies is tremendous and very large numbers of them may appear in a short time. Adult flies are strong fliers, having been known to travel as far as 6 miles within a 24 hour period. Phorid flies are found throughout the world and are a serious pest when found in food producing, food handling or food serving facilities. Health care facilities are another favorite target of this fly. Phorid fly larvae have been found in the open wounds of patients in nursing homes and hospitals. Fermenting materials such as fruit, dirty garbage containers, rotten vegetables or slime in drains are just a few of their favorite breeding and feeding places.
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