Flies are a common presence in many environments. Understanding what attracts these insects helps manage their populations and reduce their presence.
What Attracts Flies
Flies are primarily drawn to sensory cues signaling food, moisture, and suitable breeding sites. Their highly developed sense of smell allows them to detect chemical substances emitted by various sources from significant distances. These airborne chemicals guide flies toward their targets.
Decomposing organic matter is a major attractant for many fly species. This includes overripe fruits, rotting vegetables, food spills, and general garbage. As food breaks down, it releases gases and fermenting compounds that flies readily detect. Pet waste and animal carcasses also serve as strong attractants.
Moisture is another factor, as flies require damp environments. Standing water, leaky pipes, damp areas, and condensation can all draw flies. Beyond these environmental cues, flies are also drawn to warmth, which can indicate a source of food or a suitable environment. Some species, especially house flies, also exhibit phototaxis.
Understanding Common Fly Species
Several types of flies frequently inhabit human environments, each with distinct preferences that influence their presence. Knowing these common species aids in identifying their sources and managing them.
House flies (Musca domestica) are among the most widespread and are generally attracted to decaying organic filth, such as feces, rotting meat, and garbage. They often infest trash cans and sewers, laying eggs in these decomposing materials. Fruit flies, typically small with red eyes, are drawn to fermenting fruits, sugary liquids, and alcoholic beverages. They can lay eggs on overripe produce.
Drain flies are small, hairy insects that thrive in moist, organic-rich environments. They are commonly found in bathrooms and kitchens, breeding in the gelatinous film that accumulates in drains, pipes, and other areas with stagnant water. Gnats are attracted to moisture and decaying organic matter. Fungus gnats, for instance, are often found around overwatered houseplants, as they breed in moist soil.
Potential Health Risks
Flies can pose health risks by acting as vectors for various pathogens. As they move between unsanitary breeding sites and human environments, they can pick up bacteria, viruses, and parasitic eggs. When a fly lands on food, preparation surfaces, or on humans, these pathogens can be transferred.
Flies can contaminate food by regurgitating or defecating on surfaces, spreading pathogens. This mechanical transmission can lead to foodborne illnesses. While not every fly carries diseases, their presence increases the potential for contamination. They can transmit various gastrointestinal infections.
Strategies for Fly Control
Effective fly control targets attractants and prevents entry. Maintaining sanitation is crucial, as it removes the food sources and breeding sites that draw flies. This includes regular cleaning of surfaces, promptly cleaning up food spills, and proper waste disposal. Garbage bins should have tight-fitting lids and be emptied frequently.
Exclusion methods are also important to prevent flies from entering indoor spaces. Ensuring that windows and doors are properly screened, and keeping them closed, can significantly reduce entry. Sealing cracks and gaps around entry points, vents, and foundations can also block access.
Controlling moisture is another important strategy, as damp conditions attract many fly species. Fixing leaky pipes, ensuring proper drainage, and avoiding standing water indoors and outdoors helps eliminate potential breeding sites. Proper food storage is also important; food should be kept in sealed containers or refrigerated, and overripe fruits should be stored or discarded promptly. For existing fly problems, tools like sticky traps can help reduce adult populations, and fly swatters offer immediate control.