What Are Flies and How to Identify Flies ?
Flies are small flying insects that belong to a group called Diptera. They have two wings and can be found almost everywhere in the world. Some flies are harmless, while others can spread diseases. Knowing how to identify flies helps you understand which ones might be dangerous and how to control them.
In Canada, you may see different kinds of flies in your home, garden, or near garbage. Learning about their appearance and behavior can help you keep them away.
Common Types of Flies and How to Recognize Them
Housefly (Musca domestica)
The housefly is the most common fly found indoors. It has a gray body with four dark stripes on its back. Houseflies are about 6-7 mm long and have large red eyes. They love to land on food, garbage, and animal waste, which makes them a health risk.
Fruit Fly (Drosophila melanogaster)
Fruit flies are tiny, about 3 mm long, and have tan or brown bodies with bright red eyes. They hover around ripe fruits, vegetables, and sugary drinks. These small flies in the house can multiply quickly if not controlled.
Drain Fly (Psychodidae)
Drain flies, also called moth flies, are fuzzy and look like tiny moths. They have dark wings and are about 2 mm long. You’ll often find them near sinks, showers, and drains because they breed in slimy pipes.
Cluster Fly (Pollenia rudis)
Cluster flies look like big houseflies but move more slowly. They are dark gray with golden hairs on their bodies. In fall, they gather in large groups inside attics and walls to stay warm.
Horsefly (Tabanidae)
Horseflies are larger than most flies, with some reaching 25 mm long. They have dark bodies and huge, colorful eyes. Female horseflies bite animals and humans to drink blood, which can be painful.
How to Tell Flies Apart by Their Features
Flies can be identified by their size, color, wings, and behavior. Here’s what to look for:
- Body color: Some are gray, black, or metallic green.
- Wing shape: Most have clear wings, but some look fuzzy.
- Eye size: Big eyes help flies see movement well.
- Flight pattern: Some buzz loudly, while others hover quietly.
If you see a fly in Canada, check these details to know which type it is.
Where Do Flies Come From?
Flies enter homes through open windows, doors, or cracks. They lay eggs in rotting food, garbage, or damp areas. Within days, these eggs hatch into maggots, which later become adult flies.
Common breeding spots include:
- Kitchen trash cans
- Overripe fruits
- Pet waste
- Clogged drains
- Compost piles
Keeping your home clean helps stop flies from multiplying.
Are Flies Dangerous?
Some flies can spread germs because they land on dirty things before touching food. Houseflies, for example, can carry bacteria that cause food poisoning. Other flies, like horseflies, bite and can be painful.
However, not all flies are bad. Some help pollinate plants, and others eat harmful insects. Knowing which flies are around helps you decide if you need to remove them.
How to Prevent Flies in Your Home
Keep Your Home Clean
Wipe counters, take out trash daily, and store food in sealed containers. Flies love crumbs and spills.
Fix Leaks and Dry Damp Areas
Drain flies and other small flying insects breed in wet places. Fix leaky pipes and keep bathrooms dry.
Use Screens on Windows and Doors
Mesh screens stop flies from entering while letting fresh air in.
Try Natural Fly Repellents
Essential oils like peppermint or eucalyptus can keep flies away. You can also use fly traps or sticky tapes.
When to Call a Pest Control Expert
If you have too many flies and can’t get rid of them, a professional can help. They know the best ways to remove different fly species safely.
Fun Facts About Flies
- Flies have 5,000 lenses in each eye, helping them see in all directions.
- They taste food with their feet before eating it.
- A housefly can beat its wings 200 times per second, making that annoying buzzing sound.
For more pest control tips, visit Pest Jam today.
