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Flies

Flies

They’re common, annoying and unsanitary. Flies carry all kinds of filth and disease on the surface of their sticky feet.

Around 12% of the known species of insects in the world are flies of various types. Some of those species are actually considered beneficial because they prey on pest insects. However, most of the flies that are found near human and animal habitats are simply nuisances, commonly called "filth flies".

Geographic Region

Originally from central Asia, the common housefly is one of the most ubiquitous insects around the world. Flies are found in temperate regions wherever humans and animals reside, both urban and rural.

Natural Habitat

Flies seek moist organic matter -- garbage, animal feces and compost -- in which to breed and lay their eggs. Horse stables and dog kennels are prime sources of fly infestations. An adult female housefly may lay up to 2,400 eggs in her lifetime. The eggs can hatch into larvae (maggots) in a single day. In hot weather, it can take only eight days for the eggs to complete the life cycle and become adult flies.

Weather Conditions

The warmer the weather, the faster the flies are produced. Fly problems usually worsen during or just after hot spells.

Behavior

Flies land upon any kind of filth and carry it with them because of the sticky surface of their feet. Flies also regurgitate their stomach contents on any surface where they land.

Unique Characteristics

Flies have a mobile head with antennae, a large pair of compound eyes, and a proboscis designed for lapping and sucking. They have claws and pads on their feet which enable them to cling to smooth surfaces.

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Common types of Flies

House Fly

House Fly

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Flesh Fly

Flesh Fly

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Green Bottle Fly

Green Bottle Fly

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There are dozens of fly species that are considered pests, including house flies, blow flies, bottle flies (green and blue), flesh flies, cluster flies, stable flies, and others. Some are nuisance flies around food and trash, while others feed and breed on all manner of decaying organic material. These flies are often collectively referred to as "filth flies," because they congregate around rotting food, animal feces, and garbage.
Flies thrive in warm temperatures where organic matter, waste, and food sources are available. Heat speeds up their life cycle, so populations can grow rapidly in spring and summer—especially near trash, livestock areas, compost piles, or standing water.
While not all flies spread disease, some species are known to carry pathogens because they feed and lay eggs on decaying matter, garbage, or animal waste. Reducing fly populations around food areas and living spaces helps improve comfort and sanitation.
Good sanitation is key: keep trash sealed, clean up spills promptly, remove pet waste, cover outdoor food, store compost properly, and eliminate standing water. These practices make your property less attractive for flies to breed and feed. Even with prevention methods, flies can still persist—that's when you need a RESCUE! Fly Trap!
RESCUE! Outdoor Fly Traps use a powerful, scented lure to attract flies. The odor is unpleasant to humans, but flies find it irresistable! Once flies enter the trap, they can't figure out how to escape and eventually drown in the liquid inside. Traps help reduce the number of adult flies, especially when placed in high-activity areas, which eventually reduces the overall fly population.
For heavy outdoor fly activity, such as around barns, stables, large yards, trash or compost areas, consider: RESCUE! Fly Trap Max — our most powerful, high-capacity outdoor trap. RESCUE! Big Bag Fly Trap — disposable, large volume trap effective in heavy fly situations. Both are designed to attract and trap tens of thousands of flies with minimal fuss.
If you want continuous outdoor fly control around outdoor living spaces, try: RESCUE! Reusable Fly Trap — a durable, refillable trap for ongoing use. RESCUE! POP! Fly Trap — a larger reusable trap with greater fly-catching capacity. For occasional or short-term fly control, the RESCUE! Disposable Fly Trap offers a simple solution that can be easily disposed when full. It's important to note that these traps should be placed at least 20 feet away from outdoor living spaces like decks and patios. The strong odor is unpleasant to humans, but will attract flies away from your outdoor spaces, even when placed far away.
Start by thinking about the amount of fly activity and location: For very heavy infestations near livestock or large outdoor areas, the Fly Trap Max or Big Bag Fly Trap are top choices. For patios, decks, or moderate fly activity, the Reusable Fly Trap or POP! Fly Trap work well. For short-term or occasional use, the Disposable Fly Trap is convenient and simple to deploy.
Our popular water-activated outdoor fly traps will not attract biting flies. If you have a biting fly problem and need to trap flies like deer flies or horse flies, the best trap to use is our Deck & Patio Fly TrapStik.
Hang or place traps at least 20–30 feet away from doors, patios, and outdoor eating areas. Position them downwind of where people gather and closer to sources of fly activity (trash bins, compost, animal areas). This helps intercept flies before they reach your living spaces.

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