Flesh flies are common insects, medium to large in size, typically 6 to 14 millimeters long. They are often grey with three distinct black stripes on their thorax, a checkerboard pattern on their abdomen, and reddish eyes. Found globally, these flies are frequently encountered near decaying organic material. While they aid natural decomposition, their presence near human habitats is often a nuisance.
Decomposing Matter and Animal Remains
Decomposing animal remains, or carrion, primarily attract flesh flies. These materials provide nutrients for adult flies and ideal breeding grounds for their offspring. Strong, often unpleasant, odors from these decaying substances signal flies to these locations for feeding and reproduction. Flesh flies lay live larvae directly onto these materials, ensuring an immediate food supply for maggots. Rotting food waste in garbage and dumpsters also attracts flesh flies, offering similar conditions for feeding and larval development.
Biological Secretions and Wounds
Beyond general decomposition, flesh flies are also drawn to fresh biological secretions like feces and vomit. These substances contain organic compounds and moisture, offering nourishment for adult flies. Animal waste, such as pet waste and manure, serves as a breeding ground for larvae. Open wounds on living animals or humans also attract flesh flies, providing feeding opportunities and sites for larval development. Larvae can feed on the dead tissue within wounds.
Chemical Signals Guiding Attraction
Flesh flies locate attractants using highly sensitive olfactory (smell) receptors, detecting specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released as organic matter breaks down. Putrescine and cadaverine are potent attractants, produced during protein decomposition. Flesh flies are tuned to these chemical signals, which guide them to suitable sources for feeding and reproduction. The presence of these compounds signals a rich nutrient environment for their larvae.
Minimizing Flesh Fly Presence
Minimizing flesh flies requires addressing their attractants.
- Promptly dispose of food waste, ensuring trash cans are tightly sealed and emptied regularly.
- Immediately clean up pet waste, removing a significant attractant.
- Remove any animal carcasses, even small ones, from the property.
- Maintain overall cleanliness, including cleaning up food spills and crumbs, to eliminate potential breeding sites and food sources.
- Seal entry points into homes, such as repairing damaged window screens and sealing cracks, to prevent adult flies from entering.