There's nothing worse than a pesky fly buzzing in your ear. In addition to being a major nuisance pest, flies carry nasty diseases that can make you and your family sick. They reproduce quickly and are hard to catch, making them difficult to eradicate.
The best way to keep flies away is to prevent them from invading your home in the first place. Trying to tackle an infestation on your own can be time-consuming and frustrating. Read on to learn more about flies and why homeowners trust All-Safe Pest & Termite for high-quality pest control in Houston.
The Kinds Of Flies That Invade Houston Homes
There are several types of flies commonly found in the Houston area. Here are the three main varieties and their identifying characteristics:
- House flies: These bugs have gray bodies and legs with a hairy appearance. They have red eyes and a single pair of wings. Females are larger than males, and this species does not bite. Their eggs look like grains of rice. House flies are known for the buzzing sound they make as they fly around homes.
- Fruit flies: This type of fly also has red eyes. Fruit flies are tan with a light-colored abdomen. They're oval-shaped and feed on decaying matter, especially food that has been stationary for a significant amount of time.
- Horse flies: These larger flies are gray or black with smooth legs. Their eyes are large and can be green or purple. They are fast flyers and are attracted to light. Female horseflies are known to bite humans, which can be painful. They are persistent and may follow a potential host for a period of time.
Each of the different species of flies can be an extreme nuisance. If you notice a significant amount of these bugs in your home, you may have an infestation.
The Dangers Fly Infestations Can Cause In Homes
Flies do not cause any structural damage to homes, but they do carry infectious diseases. They can contaminate food sources easily, simply by landing on them. Some of the most common illnesses include dysentery, typhoid fever, and cholera. Each of these diseases could result in severe symptoms and hospitalization. It's important to keep flies away from your home to ensure the safety of you and your family. If you experience symptoms of any of these diseases and have a fly infestation, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Six Naturally Effective Fly Prevention Tips
Although they can be a terrible nuisance, there are many natural ways to get rid of flies. Try implementing these prevention tips today:
- Store all food in airtight containers with secure lids. Throw away empty bottles, and don't leave empty glasses out on counters and tables.
- Clean your kitchen regularly. Wipe down countertops frequently to get rid of crumbs.
- Repair broken screens to keep flies out. Seal around doors and windows to prevent them from getting inside.
- Empty your garbage frequently. Clean out trash cans regularly to remove old food particles.
- Maintain your yard by cleaning up leaf piles and debris. Keep compost and manure at least 20 feet away from your home.
- Plant natural fly repellants around your yard like lavender, bay leaf, and mint.
Even after taking the right steps, flies still make their way into houses. At the first sign of an infestation, contact a trusted exterminator, like All-Safe Pest & Termite.
The Pros To Call For Total Pest Control For Your Houston Home
Today's professional exterminators know how to get rid of flies for good and prevent them from returning. All-Safe Pest & Termite has helped over 20,000 customers make their dwellings a pest-free environment. Your protection and convenience are our number one priority. Find out more about our protection plans and schedule services by contacting us today.