House Fly

Life Cycle

Color: Gray with darker thoracic stripes
Size: Adults commonly about ¼ inch
Key Markings: One pair of wings; large eyes
Activity: Usually active by day
Common Areas: Garbage, animal waste, kitchens

Description

Musca domestica

House flies develop in moist decomposing material such as animal waste and garbage. Larvae are maggots that feed in the breeding material before pupating. Adults visit a wide range of surfaces, so finding and removing the developmental source is central to lasting control.

Flies develop through egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Removing adult flies does not remove the material supporting their young.

What Attracts Them?

Exposed garbage and food waste
Animal waste
Moist decomposing material

How Do They Get Inside?

Open doors
Damaged screens
Nearby breeding sources

Signs of an Infestation

Flies gathering at windows

Repeated activity near trash

Maggots in waste material

Flies returning after adults are removed

How Serious or Harmful Are They?

House flies can move contaminants from waste to food or food-contact surfaces. Adult control alone does not remove a breeding source.

Treatment / How to Get Rid of Them

What You Can Do

Keep waste tightly contained
Clean bins and remove animal waste
Repair screens and close doors
Locate and remove larval breeding material

How Pest Guys Helps

The A-C-T Process: Assess. Communicate. Treat.

Assess — We inspect your property, identify pests and activity, locate nesting and hiding areas, and find contributing conditions.

Communicate — We explain our findings, discuss the recommended plan, answer your questions, and confirm understanding and agreement.

Treat — We put the agreed plan into action, perform the initial treatment, provide ongoing service, and monitor results to adjust as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for first?

One pair of wings; large eyes. Flies gathering at windows. A clear photograph and the location of activity can help with identification.

What conditions should I check?

Start with exposed garbage and food waste. Keep waste tightly contained.

Does seeing one mean there is an infestation?

A single sighting does not establish the extent of a problem. Repeated activity, developing young, nests, or other evidence help us determine what is happening.

How does Pest Guys decide what to do?

We use A-C-T: Assess, Communicate, Treat. The pest, its location, and the conditions at your home guide the recommendation. We explain the plan and any preparation needed before service.