Flies
Non-biting flies, such as houseflies, are not only nuisance pests, but they are also responsible for transmitting diseases and contaminating food. For instance, flies are capable of contaminating food and transferring more than 100 pathogens, including malaria, salmonella, and tuberculosis. Food contamination is one of the main reasons that fly pest control is so important.
House Flies Musca domestica
The house fly is the most common fly found in and around homes. It has a worldwide distribution and is prominent in the United States. House flies are not only nuisance pests while buzzing around homes, but they are potential disease carriers. House flies have short lifespans, but they can quickly reproduce in large numbers, leading to large house fly populations if not identified and effectively controlled.
Fruit Flies Drosophila species
Fruit flies feed on decaying matter, especially fruits and vegetables.
Fruit flies are small pests that are commonly found in homes, restaurants and other facilities where food is processed. They are found on moist, decaying matter that has been stationary for several days.
Fruit flies are found in unsanitary conditions, so they are a potential heath concern, especially when present in health facilities.
Horse Flies Tabanus spp
Horse flies likely received their common name because they are notorious pests of horses and other mammals. They are commonly found in both suburban and rural areas near bodies of water, which serve as breeding sites, and where mammal hosts are most abundant.
Adult horse flies are fast, strong fliers and capable of flying for more than 50 km, though they generally do not disperse widely. They most often attack moving and dark objects. Horse flies often rest on paths and roads, especially in wooded areas, where they wait for potential hosts. Horse flies are attracted to light and will sometimes assemble at windows.
Adult horse flies typically feed on nectar, but females require a blood meal before they are able to reproduce effectively. Female horse fly bites, especially in large specimens, can be quite painful because their mouthparts are used for tearing and lapping, as opposed to mosquitoes, which simply pierce the skin and suck blood. Female horse flies are also persistent and will generally continue biting a host until they either succeed in procuring their blood meal or are killed. They are even known to chase their intended targets for short periods of time.
During outside activity, wear light-colored clothing and insect repellant to prevent horse fly bites. If they are entering structures, the best method of horse fly control is exclusion, including screening all doors and windows.
Contact Entotox office in your region for pest management and extermination plan.