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Residential Fly Control & Exterminator Services
Florida's Trusted Fly Control Experts
Serving Central FL, Northern FL, Southeastern FL and the Panhandle
Flies can be a major nuisance for homes in Florida. In addition to being annoying, flies can transmit various diseases, including E. Coli, Salmonella, typhoid fever, and cholera to humans. Some fly species will bite humans, leaving behind itchy bumps. Because fly life cycles are so fast, a small infestation can lead to a big problem quickly. At Florida Pest Control, we’ve been protecting homes throughout Florida from flies for more than 75 years.
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Common Types of Flies Found in Homes
Most Florida homeowners have dealt with flies in the summertime. They often get inside through open doors and dock windows. Several types of flies commonly invade homes, each with their own behavior patterns and breeding habits. Below are the most common types of flies you might encounter:
House Flies
House flies are among the most common and persistent household pests. These flies are typically attracted to decaying organic matter, such as food waste, garbage, and animal feces. Unfortunately, house flies are known carriers of several dangerous pathogens, including Salmonella, cholera, and dysentery, which they can transfer to surfaces and food. They reproduce rapidly, making early intervention crucial to prevent a growing infestation.
Fruit Flies
Fruit flies are small flies that are typically drawn to fermenting organic material, such as overripe fruit, sugary substances, or spilled liquids. Despite their size, fruit flies reproduce quickly, and large infestations can develop quickly. Proper waste management and thorough cleaning are essential to controlling fruit fly populations.
Drain Flies
Also known as moth flies, drain flies thrive in damp, organic environments like drains, sewers, and septic systems. They lay their eggs in the sludge that accumulates in drains, and the larvae feed on organic matter and can cause unpleasant odors. While drain flies don’t typically transmit disease, their presence can indicate poor sanitation and potential plumbing issues. Keeping drains clean and free of organic buildup can help prevent drain fly infestations.
Cluster Flies
Cluster flies are most active in the fall and winter when they seek warmth inside homes. They are drawn to attics, wall voids, and other hidden spaces. These flies do not reproduce indoors but can be a nuisance due to their tendency to gather in large numbers. Preventing cluster flies from entering involves sealing cracks and gaps around the home and applying targeted treatments to keep them out.
Interested in exploring different types of flies in Florida? Click the image below.
What Attracts Flies and Keeps Them in Your Home?
If the right conditions are present, flies can quickly turn from a minor nuisance to a full-blown infestation. Recognizing the signs of a fly infestation and knowing what attracts flies and keeps them lingering in your home is essential for effective fly control.
Common Attractants
Flies are naturally drawn to environments abundant in food and moisture. Food sources such as uncovered dishes, sugary spills, fermenting fruits, and decaying organic matter are particularly enticing to flies, especially house and fruit flies. Open garbage bins and improper waste management practices also provide easy access to sustenance and breeding grounds for these pests. Additionally, moisture from standing water, leaky faucets, and damp surfaces creates perfect conditions for flies to thrive and multiply.
Habitats and Breeding Grounds
Flies reproduce quickly. One of their primary breeding grounds is decaying organic matter—flies commonly lay eggs in decomposing food, trash, and other organic debris. Moist environments like sinks, drains, and standing water appeal to drain flies and gnats, which often thrive in these areas. Flies may also breed in less obvious spaces, such as behind appliances, inside trash compactors, or around compost bins, making a thorough inspection necessary.
How to Identify the Source of a Fly Problem
Successfully managing a fly problem starts with pinpointing its source. Begin by observing telltale signs such as clusters of flies, buzzing sounds, or frequent sightings around food and garbage. Inspect typical breeding areas like drains, garbage bins, and locations with decaying organic material for signs of larvae or maggots. It’s also important to monitor potential entry points, such as cracks, broken window screens, and open doors, which can allow flies to infiltrate your home.
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How to Control Small Flies in Your Home
Small flies, such as fruit flies, drain flies, and gnats, can quickly become a nuisance if left unchecked.
Effective DIY Fly Control Methods
Start by identifying and eliminating the flies’ food sources. Clean up spills promptly, store ripe fruits in the refrigerator, and empty trash cans regularly to reduce attractants. Pour boiling water down drains to disrupt breeding sites for drain flies, and ensure houseplants aren’t overwatered, as damp soil can attract gnats. Consider making simple traps, such as using a jar with vinegar and a funnel to catch flies or placing sticky traps near problem areas. Screening your windows and doors will also help prevent new flies from entering.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Fly Removal
One standard error is only targeting visible flies without addressing their breeding sites. Adult flies are often a small part of the population; the eggs and larvae remain in hidden spots like drains, compost bins, or organic material buildup. Also avoid relying solely on chemical sprays, as these often only provide temporary relief and may pose health risks. Another mistake is neglecting to fix structural issues like poorly sealed garbage containers or gaps in windows and doors, allowing flies to multiply or re-enter your home.
When to Call a Professional Exterminator
If small flies continue to plague your home despite your best efforts or the infestation has grown beyond manageable levels, it’s time to bring in a professional exterminator. Experts can identify the source, recognize the signs of a fly infestation, implement targeted treatments, and provide long-term solutions to eliminate the problem.
The Our team of experts at Florida Pest Control will perform our own professional exclusion services to close fly entry points. Our fly specialists are trained to apply effective fly treatments indoors and outdoors.
Don’t let an infestation take over— contact Florida Pest Control today for a FREE quote, and let us restore comfort and cleanliness to your home.
Preventing Flies and Flying Insects in Your Home
Keeping flies and flying insects out of your home requires thoughtful prevention measures. Understanding their habits and addressing vulnerabilities in your environment can make your home less inviting for these pests.
Steps to Remove Attractants
Flies are naturally drawn to food, moisture, and decaying organic matter. By taking the following steps, you can reduce the chances of flies entering your space:
- Remove rotting food or organic debris from outdoor areas, such as fallen fruits, compost piles, or pet waste. These provide perfect breeding grounds for flies, especially fruit flies and house flies.
- Store pantry staples in airtight containers to prevent flies from accessing food sources. Flies are particularly attracted to sugary, fermenting items, so ensure that grains, dried fruits, and other food products are sealed properly. This also helps prevent contamination from fly eggs and larvae.
- Limit food exposure by covering food on counters and promptly refrigerating leftovers. By keeping food in sealed containers or in the refrigerator, you can reduce the chances of attracting flies into your kitchen.
Installing Fly Screens and Barriers
One of the most effective ways to prevent flies from entering your home is by using barriers to keep them outside.
Self-closing screens or magnetic door covers are great for high-traffic areas like entryways or patios. These screens automatically close behind you, making it more difficult for flies to sneak inside when you enter or exit. Magnetic door covers are a particularly convenient option for keeping flies out without manual closing.
Weather stripping around doors and windows is another simple but highly effective barrier. Gaps and cracks around doors and windows provide easy access for flies to enter your home. Sealing these gaps with weather stripping will block their entry points, ensuring that flies have no way to get inside, even during the warmer months.
Outdoor fans on patios or porches can also serve as an excellent deterrent for flies. The continuous airflow created by the fans disrupts the flight paths of flies, making it harder for them to land and linger in outdoor areas.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
Maintaining a fly-free home requires a commitment to upkeep. One of the most important steps is deep cleaning areas that are often overlooked but can easily become fly breeding grounds. Thoroughly cleaning window sills, garbage disposals, and spaces under furniture is crucial. These hidden areas can accumulate organic debris, moisture, and dirt that attracts flies if left unchecked.
It’s also essential to inspect your plumbing regularly for leaks and standing water. Dripping pipes or clogged drains can create small, hidden water sources that flies are drawn to.
Managing outdoor trash properly is another critical step in preventing fly problems. Place trash cans as far away from doors as possible and regularly empty the trash and clean the bins to minimize any unpleasant smells that might attract flies.
Professional Fly Control Services for Homes
When it comes to fly control, you need a system that is effective, safe, and environmentally-friendly. With more than 70 years of fly control experience, you can be sure your fly problem will be taken care of.
What to Expect During an Exterminator Visit
Our fly exterminators will take the following steps to protect you from infestations:
- Our fly control specialists will thoroughly inspect your property to identify the source of the infestation and locate where flies are breeding.
- We will apply fly control products to treat your entire home. Our treatments are precise and eco-conscious, ensuring your home is protected without harming your family, pets, or the environment.
- After the fly extermination, we will implement fly control and prevention to avoid future fly infestations. These may include use of insect light traps, liquid fly applications, fly baits, and exclusion methods like removing decaying vegetation.
Benefits of Professional Fly Extermination
Hiring a professional fly exterminator ensures a comprehensive approach to eliminating flies from your home. One key benefit is targeted treatments that effectively address fly infestations at all life cycle stages, from larvae to adult flies. In addition, our exterminators use advanced tools and techniques that are safer and more effective than DIY methods.
We can also identify hidden fly breeding grounds that may go unnoticed by untrained eyes, such as in plumbing systems, behind appliances, or inside vents. Dealing with these issues early reduces the risk of a recurring infestation.
With a professional service, you’re also protecting your health. Flies can carry harmful bacteria, like Salmonella and E. coli, and spread diseases through their waste. Effective fly control helps reduce the chances of food contamination and illness in your home.
Why Choose Our Fly Control Services?
At Florida Pest Control, we pride ourselves on providing reliable services that you can trust. We take the time to listen to your concerns, assess your property’s needs, and provide tailored solutions that fit your specific situation.
Our fly control services include getting rid of pests, preventing future infestations, and ensuring your home’s long-term health and safety.
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Looking For Commercial Fly Control For Your Business?
Florida Pest Control also offers commercial fly management solutions, using exclusion techniques, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, and advanced Lumnia insect light traps (ILTs) to provide efficient and effective fly management for your business – no matter your industry.
FAQs
How can I get rid of flies in my home quickly?
Ensure cleanliness by wiping up food spills, sealing garbage, and eliminating standing water. DIY methods like fly traps, light traps, or natural repellents can help with small infestations. For larger or more persistent issues, hiring a professional pest control service is the most effective solution.
What attracts flies to certain areas of my home?
Flies are drawn to uncovered food, sugary substances, decaying organic matter, and damp surfaces. They are also attracted to poor waste management and dirty drains.
What are the most common types of flies found in US homes?
House flies, fruit flies, drain flies, and cluster flies are the most common types found in homes across the U.S. Filth flies, drawn to the warm environments, are also a common fly species found in the U.S. Learn more about how to get rid of filth flies in your home.
How do flies get into my home?
Flies enter through open windows, doors, vents, or wall cracks. They can also hitch a ride on groceries or other items brought indoors.
Why are fruit flies such a problem in my kitchen?
Fruit flies thrive in kitchens because they are attracted to ripened fruits, fermenting vegetables, and sugary spills. Their rapid breeding makes infestations challenging to control.
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