Pest Flies In The Greater Houston Area

Fall is underway in Houston, and flies are as active as ever doing what they do best, being annoying. Sometimes it seems there is no avoiding them. We find them at our picnics, on our walks, in our homes. They are everywhere. Buzzing about without a care in the world. Today we will look at three different types of flies that we treat here at Modern Pest Control, along with the dangers they pose and some common mistakes homeowners may be inadvertently making to attract these unwanted frequent flyers to their home and property.

Fruit Fly

Incredibly small at only an eighth of an inch, these six-legged pests can be identified by their small oval-shaped and light tan bodies, along with their bright red eyes. As their name suggests, fruit flies love fruit and are attracted to its bright colors and sweet scent.

House Fly

House flies are dark gray in color and known for their filthy habits. It is not uncommon to find these adept flyers buzzing in and around homes in search for food. Common places they will look for food include garbage cans, manure, and garden areas.

Fungus Gnat

Fungus gnats are tiny, dark, mosquito-like insects with very short lifespans. Roughly the size of a fruit fly, these pests can be identified by their long legs and antennae and the distinct “Y-shaped” pattern found on their forewings. Most commonly, these flyers can be found in and around soil that is rich in organic material and moisture. Often these pests will move inside if they find plants in your home suitable for their needs.

Dangers Flies Pose

While the fungus gnat only poses a threat to plants, house flies and fruit flies can pose a threat to our health. Because of their diets and travel habits, fruit flies and house flies have been known to be transporters of bacteria and disease. The same six legs that just walked over your food may have just been walking over a rotting carcass or a pile of fecal matter minutes before. This can pose a health concern for you and your family.

Why It Can Be Difficult To Get Rid Of Flies On Your Greater Houston Home

Flies are primarily a nuisance pest that can get into your Greater Houston home in a variety of ways. This is partially what makes them so difficult to eliminate. Flies have the ability to enter through cracks in your foundation, gaps around windows, or through gaps in window screens. They are largely attracted to sweet substances and moisture, which is also something that factors into how difficult they are to eliminate. Something simple like having dirty dishes in the sink or having a recycling bin that needs to be rinsed out is enough to lure flies. And once they’re in your home, they are very unlikely to leave. These infestations are also tough to get rid of because females can lay around 150 eggs in four days. 

If you’re looking for a reliable solution to your fly problems, look no further than Modern Pest Control. Our skilled technicians follow Integrated Pest Management methods in order to understand the source of your fly infestations. We also collect this information so that we can customize the exact treatment plan that you’ll receive. Some of our services include granulating flower beds, using organic spray treatments both inside and outside, and tending to all of the nooks and crannies of your home. We provide these services on a monthly or bi-monthly basis in order to keep flies away without interruption. For more information on fly control, call us today. 

Modern Is Here To Help

Just because they can fly does not mean they are out of our reach. Our licensed pest control technicians are ready to come alongside you to make your home undesirable to flies. If you are tired of swatting flies out of the air and would rather not have to deal with contaminated food, contact Modern Pest Control today to learn more about our residential pest control options.