The blowfly, commonly known as the bluebottle fly, is found around the world and greatly associates itself with people’s activities. Blowflies are flies of a considerable size that thrive on decaying animal matter, laying clusters of eggs in raw meat products, older meat leftovers, and even faecal matter. Their presence surrounding humans can be considered a warning sign of improper food storage and hygiene practices, which can lead to rapid deterioration in food quality and health issues.
In consequence to what they may end up contaminating or spoiling, it is crucial to learn about their behaviour and employ controls to stop their spread.
After flies lay their eggs, it takes roughly a day for the egg to hatch and reveal the first of three life stages; the larval stage. The larvae then immediately burrow into whatever surface the flies laid them on, usually the food source. Once burrowed, they begin to feed and grow in size until they eventually pupate after around one week. This pupae then emerges as what we commonly call a ‘maggot’ and soon becomes an adult fly – starting its lifecycle all over again.
- 1Properly disposing of meat waste significantly reduces the presence of flies and other pests. By keeping waste in a sealed container, and further storing it in a cooled environment until the day of collection, one can drastically lower the prevalence of flies attracted to their property. In addition, sealing containers helps to contain odours that may occur with decaying matter. Taking these proactive steps to keep meat waste secure ensures cleanliness and safety for all and prevents flies from becoming an inconvenience.
- 2Keeping flies out of your home is crucial for maintaining a comfortable living space. Installing fly screens or mesh on windows is an effective way to do this. Not only are flies a nuisance while they're buzzing around inside, but flies can also bring in harmful contaminants. Fly screens provide an entry point for fresh air that flies won't be able to penetrate, so you can rest easy knowing that flies will stay outside where they belong. Additionally, the addition of fly screens on external doors is recommended for added protection against flies entering your home. Keep those flies out with quality fly screen installation!
- 3The location of an electric fly killer (ELK) should be carefully considered. Ideally, it should be installed in a corner away from windows or doorways as flies may be attracted to the light and enter the premises if they are not blocked off.
- 4Getting rid of flies is an important step to take when it comes to keeping up a property, especially if there have been rodents that have used bait or pigeons living there. Any rodent or bird carcasses should be removed without delay as flies can be drawn to them and cause a nuisance. Not only this, but flies can also spread harmful bacteria too so it really is essential they are got rid of quickly.
- 5In order to ensure proper hygiene and sanitation, it is important to monitor for flies and maggots. Regularly check breeding areas and food storage locations and take immediate action to prevent flies from getting in and laying eggs. If maggots are seen, all should be collected with a vacuum cleaner or other means of disposal before they become flies
- 6Rather than mass purchases of fly swats, it is highly recommended to speak to a professional pest controller when it comes to flies or any other insects or pests in the home that you have trouble eliminating. A pest controller has the right knowledge and training to get rid of flies safely, in addition to providing helpful advice and tips on keeping flies away in the future.
- 7If flies are posing a problem, aerosol insecticides can be used in order to deter them from settling in one particular area. The insecticide should be sprayed evenly over the intended area, ensuring that safety precautions are being considered and followed at all times. An alternative form of application is wet spray residuals which often contain long-term active ingredients that work over extended surface areas. This can also prove to be effective deterrent against flies from settling in unwanted places.
Greenbottles are flies that are very similar in many ways to bluebottles. Despite the same family origin, these flies have distinct differences, primarily being a metallic green colour and a tendency to seek external food sources such as faeces. This ability to feed elsewhere than most flies allows them to thrive in different situations.