Western Exterminators - Pest Control Services California, Arizona, Nevada

Flies: Blow Fly, Bottle Fly | Fruit Fly (small), Vinegar Fly | Fungus Gnats, Root Gnats | House Fly

	Common name:	Latin name:	Class:	Order:	Family:
	Blow Fly, Bottle Fly	Calliphora spp., Phaenicia spp., etc.	Insecta	Diptera	Calliphoridae

	Size:
	Adults are about 1/8-5/8 inch (4-16 mm) long, the size of a house fly, or slightly larger. Mature larvae are about 3/8-7/8 inch (9-22 mm) long.
	Characteristics:
	Important decomposers that arrive first to a newly deceased carcass. Spongy mouthparts; feathery antennae, at least on the bottom two thirds. Larvae are eyeless, legless, tapered from large, rounded rear segment to head, which is a pair of dark hooks.
	Color:
	Adults are partly or wholly metallic blue, green, or dull brassy, sometimes black. Larvae are pale yellow to white.
	Where Found:
	Throughout the United States. The Blue Bottle Fly is more common in the northern part of the U.S. and in Canada. The Bronze Bottle Fly occurs in the southern U.S., and Green Bottle Flies are found mostly in the northern U.S., southern Canada, and commonly in the Midwestern U.S.
	Comparison:
	Cluster Fly has a dull body, tan to brownish black, with golden hairs on thorax. Secondary Screwworm Fly has bluish green body, orange head, reddish legs, and 3 black stripes on thorax. Screwworm Fly has metallic black body, shiny green-black legs, and 3 black stripes on thorax (middle one shorter). Dump Flies have bluish black to shiny and bronzy black body. Flesh Flies and House Flies have dull gray and black bodies, and a thorax with 3 or 4 black stripes.
	Habitat:
	Filth areas and garbage areas. Around dead bodies, animal excrement, decaying vegetation.
	Food:
	Dead rodents, birds, and other small animals can be the source of flies within structures while dog excrement and garbage are common outdoor sources.
	Biology:
	Females lay eggs on material which larvae will eat. Larvae may feed on the surface, and then burrow into less decayed material underneath. They go through 3 instars (stages), leaving the food material in order to pupate (stage between larva and adult). Most species pupate within the top 2" of soil. Usually will emerge over winter as mature larvae or pupae. Development time from egg to adult varies, depending on species and temperature conditions, but usually takes between 10 to 25 days.
	Damage:
	Bottle Flies and Blow Flies transmit disease
	Invasion:
	Most active on warm, sunny days. Rest on cool or cloudy days. Attracted to light coming through windows. Some species are strong fliers, such as some Black Blow Flies, which have been found 4-28 miles from their starting point. (N.P.M.A. Field Guide to Structural Pests)
	Control:
	Reduction in population of this pest starts with sanitation. Identification of breeding sites is important for control. Using tight-fitting closures for garbage receptacles and emptying, cleaning and drying them on a regular basis will help. Pesticides can help in reduction of numbers, but it cannot stand alone without sanitation back-up as a control measure. Applications of residual pesticides can help when placed on fly resting areas. Look for other sources on neighboring properties if reduction is not realized after the above steps are taken. Large numbers or regular sightings of Blow Flies inside can indicate a gas leak or dead animal. (Call the Gas Co. to check for a possible gas leak. The material that is added to natural gas to give it an odor can attract these flies. It is called Mercaptan). Finding and eliminating the source is the best way to achieve long-term control. When using any pesticide, be sure it is registered for the target pest/location. Read the entire label prior to use. Follow all label directions, restrictions, and precautions.