Blow Fly
	House Fly

Housefly
Musca domestica

Because flies frequent unsanitary areas, such as garbage and manure, the housefly is considered a possible health risk and its presence indoors should be minimized.

Identification
Size: Medium-sized flies about 1/4-inch in length.
Color: Dark gray with four stripes on top of the thorax in front of the wings.

Habits
The housefly breeds primarily in fresh animal manure. Farming areas are the most common breeding grounds. Also, areas where dog manure is left for days can become a significant breeding site. Houseflies rarely breed indoors. However, if they do, it’s usually because a trash container hasn’t been cleaned for a while or, in the case of a restaurant facility, possibly rotting vegetables or fruit in a box.

Tips for Control
In most cases involving houseflies around homes, the problem is twofold: (1) flies are being attracted to the building by trash containers or pet manure and (2) openings (e.g. doors) exist that are permitting flies to enter. To minimize problems with flies, take the following steps:

• Throw trash away in trash cans in plastic bags. Bags reduce odors thus attracting fewer flies to the area.
• Locate trash receptacles as far from the building as possible.
• Regularly pick up pet manure from the yard.
• Keep doors and windows closed unless equipped with tight-fitting screens.
• Ensure all edges of doors and windows have tight weather-stripping. Flies can squeeze through amazingly small cracks.
  

	SPRING
	SUMMER
	FALL
	WINTER