Otherwise known as houseflies, garbage flies actually play a very important part in breaking down dead matter. It is their feeding habits that make them totally unsanitary and absolutely unhygienic when present in large numbers. Their maggots (what the eggs hatch as) feed on decaying organic matter, which is mostly what is found in garbage cans and dumpsters but is also any dead animal they may come across. They also feed on pet excretion found in yards. Because of this, they can transmit diseases and will need to be eradicated as soon as possible.

How to Identify Garbage Flies

The adult flies will seek some sort of organic decomposing matter to lay their eggs in, which could be a garbage can, neglected food, or even the body of a dead animal. It will be quite evident when there has been an infestation of garbage flies and/or their maggots. The flies will seek to find any organic matter that they can land on and then feed on.

If the garbage or garbage can have reached the point that it has an extremely foul odor, it is highly likely that there

are already flies and possibly maggots inhabiting the area. Both life stages will be visible as flies can go everywhere and maggots will be feeding on any food or matter in the garbage that may be rotting.

Breeding Sites of House Flies or Garbage Flies

There are many locations in which female garbage flies will deposit their eggs. Famous breeding sites of garbage flies include anything that is decaying, fermenting, or rotting. They do not deposit eggs in carrion or meat.

Their breeding sites include:

  1. Garbage and food scraps

Garbage flies, as the name implies, love garbage. They will breed in anything that includes food leftovers or even should do with preparing food. You will find them in public places when garbage (food scraps) is present.

  1. Sewage

You will also find garbage flies harboring in cesspools, cesspits, drains, and sewage.

  1. Dung

If you have heaps of animal feces collected in one place, they will breed in it. However, dung that is too wet will not be suitable for them to breed. The texture of dung should also not be too solid.

  1. Organic Manure

Especially if you own a field and use organic matter, excrement, or dung as manure, you might be creating an environment in which garbage flies can breed.

How to Get Rid of Garbage Flies

There are several ways to reduce the number of flies within and around your home. These include:

  •  Killing Directly with Insecticides

Insecticides are very effective because of their immediacy. You simply spray them on sight and that is the end of it! That is how easy it is. However, because most insecticides contain chemicals, it is best to leave the area after spraying or do so when the kids are away.


• Fly Traps

Fly traps are normally accompanied by baits that are used to ‘attract’ and trap flies. Some fly traps can trap hundreds of flies and may last for weeks. You can opt for a fly trap that is non-toxic or non-poisonous.


• Sticky Tapes

Sticky tapes do not only target house/garbage flies but any pest that comes into contact with it. The substance is sticky and once contact is made, the fly sticks to the object, stays there until it expires.

• Fly Swats and Electrocuting Grids

If you love swatting flies, this is a good option to use. Plus, it is good exercise for the muscles. Some fly swats are standard while others will electrocute them on contact. The popping sound made once contact is made with the electrical fly swatter is riveting.

Electrocuting grids do exactly what the name imply; they electrocute flies. Electrocuting grids not only target garbage flies but several other pests.



 

Vinegar, mint oil, eucalyptus and bay leaves have all been known to repel and prevent garbage flies. The vinegar and/or diluted mint oil mixture can be wiped on the inside and outside of the garbage can, and the leaves can be put in and around the garbage can.

Once the infestation has been controlled, it is extremely important to sanitize any and all areas that the flies have made contact with. Flies carry and transmit all kinds of germs and diseases, and can contaminate anything they decide to land on, including kitchen countertops as well as any food that might be lying out.

Tips for Treating

Use closed trash cans to dispose of garbage, not closed. Check price.

Use closed trash cans to dispose of garbage properly and prevent garbage flies. Check price.

Keep dumpsters and garbage cans clean, and keep their lids on tight. Remove them from close proximity to doors leading inside of a house or structure to prevent them from entering.

Window screens and doors should be kept in repair. Holes in screens and gaps in doors are inviting for flies as well as other insects. Be sure to pick up pet waste that is in the yard. Flies will breed and lay eggs on the mess because of the ideal moisture content.

Over-watering indoor plants can also lead to garbage flies hanging around, and it is important to keep any outdoor living areas clean of debris as well. Decaying plants, soil bedding, and other matter can invite garbage flies to live and reproduce.

A simple solution of vinegar and water can be used to clean out garbage cans that either has had maggots in them, or the garbage can have a foul odor as this attracts the garbage flies. Be sure to let the can dry completely, the maggots love moisture and will return if the can stays moist.

When putting decaying matter (old food, etc.) into garbage cans, it is suggested to place the food in a smaller plastic bag (like an old grocery bag) prior to placing it into the garbage can. This will not only reduce the odor that will be emitted from the can, but it will also reduce the risk of flies choosing this as a breeding ground as the decaying matter will be enclosed in the bag.


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1 Comment

  1. Ali 6:59 PM 13 July 2018

    It’s a fly in the house in the garbage in the house I don’t know how to get it out

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