Color: Iridescent blue green or black

Size: 3/8-1/4 inch

Habits: Feed on animal carcasses and fecal material. Strong fliers. Black blow flies sometimes over winter in buildings even though no carcass is present.

Habitat: Animal carcasses indoors or out. May fly considerable distances to a breeding source. Maggots often migrate from the carcass when mature.

Threat: Can carry disease pathogens but the their relationship to health in man is not well understood.

Prevention: Screen them out. Locate and remove carcasses.

Cluster Flies

Color: Dark gray with golden hairs

Size: Slightly larger than a house fly

Habits: Larvae live in earthworms. Adults over winter in buildings although more common in commercial buildings than residences. Occupants of buildings usually see them in late winter during first warm days when the flies begin to become active. Usually one generation per year.

Habitat: Larvae live in lawns and fields. Adults migrate a mile or more to over wintering site.

Threat: No threat to man

Prevention: To prevent over wintering, seal all tiny cracks and crevices on the exterior of the building – especially along the roof line.

Deer/Greenhead

Color: Brown to black. Some with green heads

Size: Up to 3/4 inch

Habits: Larvae live in stagnant water or moist soil. Adults are strong fliers. Females take blood meals. Active during summer months outdoors.

Habitat: Outdoor areas near water

Threat: No health threat but they have a vicious bite.

Prevention: Wear long sleeved clothing. Insect repellents are of some value. Use fans around pools and barbecues to create strong air currents which these flies do not like

Drain Flies

Color: Dark gray

Size: 1/12-1/10 inch

Habits: Breed in slimy organic accumulations in drains and sewage plants. Not strong fliers. Wings have scales like moths. Adults rest on surface near breeding sites.

Habitat: Drains and sewer plants

Threat: Not documented but probable pathogen carrier

Prevention: Keep drains clean

Fruit Flies

Color: Tan with red or dark brown eyes

Size: 1/8 inch

Habits: Breed in decaying fruits and vegetable. Flies hove over food source or rest on walls near the source.

Habitat: Breed in moist decaying matter – especially if it has high sugar content. Often found in the bottom of trash cans after the plastic liner has ruptured.

Threat: Possible health concern but not documented.

Prevention: Discard spoiling fruits and vegetables. Wash out slimy residues in the bottom of trash receptacles.

Fungus Gnat

Color: Pale to dark brown

Size: 1/16 inch

Habits: Breed in wet, organic matter such as potting soil. Fly to lights. May be breeding in over-watered plants indoors or in roof structures if leaks have occurred.

Habitat: Wet, organic materials. Live indoors and outdoors

Threat: None

Prevention: Don’t over water plants. Repair leaks

House Flies

Color: Dark gray

Size: 1/4 inch

Habits: They can only feed on liquids but they regurgitate on solid foods to liquefy them. Eggs are laid on wet organic matter in which the larvae (maggots) feed. They are active only during light hours.

Habitat: Live in wet, organic materials like garbage. Adults tend to rest on roof structures at night. They live outdoors during summer.

Threat: Flies are known to carry over 100 different pathogens and their habit of flying from sewage or garbage to our food makes them a real health threat.

Prevention: Screen windows and doors to keep them out. Keep garbage in tight-fitting covered containers. Clean out garbage cans weekly.

Phorid Flies

Color: Tan to brown

Size: 1/8 inch

Habits: Breed in a variety of plant and animal matter. Some a pest in mushroom farms. Some pests in mausoleums. Indoors they are often a sign of a broken waste line and they breed in the contaminated soil beneath the slab. Adults look like fruit flies but tend to skip across surfaces

Habitat: Wet, organic matter of various types.

Threat: Possible pathogen carriers considering the breeding source.

Prevention: Eliminate breeding sources. In cases of broken waste lines, the slab must be opened, and all contaminated soil removed.

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Environmina Pest Control specializes in eliminating fly infestations across New Jersey. Our skilled team employs effective methods to eradicate various fly species from your home. We understand the unique challenges flies present and offer tailored solutions to ensure a fly-free environment.

Whether you’re dealing with fruit flies in your kitchen or house flies in your garbage area, Environmina provides dependable services to maintain a hygienic, pest-free home. Explore our comprehensive pest control offerings to safeguard your family and property year-round:

Flies in New Jersey: Identification, Facts, and Control

This crucial first step forms the foundation for effective fly control, ensuring comprehensive eradication.