Whether they are buzzing nuisances or dangerous purveyors of disease, household flies are a regular headache for area homeowners. In order to make sure your property is free from these flying pests this year, there is a lot you need to know to stay ahead of pest infestations. Local resources are available to educate you and to be your partner in fly prevention for your Dallas property.
Common Flies In The Dallas Area
Thanks to our warm climate and big, open spaces, Texas sees bug populations, year-round. Insects thrive in warm, humid places, and flies are no exception. All flies have a pair of wings, six legs, and big many-lensed eyes. Here are a few common types of local flies for homeowners to be on the lookout for:
- House flies: So-called because they are some of the most common home invaders out there. You probably already know what house flies look like -- round, grayish, or black, with lines running down their backs.
- Fruit flies: Another common household pest, fruit flies are particularly attracted to sugary aromas found in fruits and other naturally sweet foods. They are brown or black in color and typically smaller than house flies.
- Horseflies: One of the biggest kinds of fly you’ll see, these bugs are very fast fliers. Some say they get their name from their large size, others say it’s because horse flies often hang out in stables and barns. Either way, these bugs aren’t desirable as they, unlike most flies, can and will bite to procure blood from humans and animals.
Flies Need Not Apply
No matter what type of fly is buzzing around, you don’t want them on or near your property. Most varieties of flies are simply annoyances and don’t produce painful bites. However, flies are disgusting animals, frequently looking for food and landing on germ-ridden surfaces like trash, feces, and sewage. That means they can easily spread pathogens around your home, and as they land on household surfaces, they transmit these germs. When one or two flies make their way inside, a full-blown infestation can quickly take hold as flies quickly reproduce. That’s why it’s important to be preventative when it comes to pest populations.
Fly Prevention Tips & Tricks
Despite their varying traits and behaviors, fly prevention is universal, since the same sorts of things attract just about every kind of bug out there. Here are some steps to take to make sure you’re staying up on the proper prevention measures:
- Check screens & door sweeps: Windows and doors provide portals through which insects can crawl or fly into homes, so properly maintaining the barriers that shield your interior from the elements and from outdoor pests is a good periodic step to take.
- Moisture control: Nearly every variety of fly has to mate in wet environments for the sake of their larvae, so reducing areas of moisture in and around your home will reduce one big attraction factor for flies.
- Pipe maintenance: When inspecting your moist areas, you’ll also be checking your home’s plumbing. Don’t forget to have the insides of those pipes plumbed and cleaned regularly, as the scum inside can attract flies and provide prime mating environments.
- Professional inspections: As with all pests, it’s best to have a trained professional inspect all areas of your home for flies or for the things that might attract them inside. Professional treatments are superior to store-bought or household methods.
Let Us Clear The Air
To truly keep flies out of your home all year, it’s best to direct your attention to the solutions that work best for prevention and elimination. The experts at All-Safe Pest & Termite can address all the areas of your home where flies can congregate and thrive, targeting solutions to your home and budget.
Don’t risk a fly infestation turning into a health crisis, call All-Safe for an inspection or to get started on our insect control programs.