There are over 120 000 species of flies across the world with around 18 000 found in North America. When it comes to New Jersey, the three most common species of flies are the house fly, sewer fly and fruit fly. For some perspective, the female house fly lays up to 600 eggs in her lifetime and flies only live uo 21 days! Flies develop through metamorphosis, with the stages of metamorphosis being egg, larval, pupal and adult life stages. When it comes to identifying flies in general, they usually have either two types of mouthparts. Either they have sucking and piercing mouthparts or scissor-like jaws. These flying pests can also be split into two types these being biting flies and filth flies. As stated above, there are many species of flies and we have put together a guide to help you identify the most common types.
Identifying Species of Biting Flies
Deer Flies
Usually gray or light brown in color however, some species may have black and yellow stripes
Colors are vivid and they have clear wings
Adults grow to ¼ or ⅓ inches long
Found throughout the United States and are mostly spotted at ponds and marshes as they thrive in dampness
Bites are painful as they inject saliva which is made up of an anticoagulant that can cause allergic reactions
Carry and transmit diseases and parasites including anthrax, hog cholera, anaplasmosis, tularemia and Lyme disease.
Black Flies
Not actually exclusively black in color (as the name suggests), they can also be gray, yellow or brown.
Distinctive shiny thorax and humped back
Adults are between 1 and 5 mm long
Thrive in moist environments and around flowing water.
Can be found throughout the United States
Bites can cause skin rashes, swelling and in some cases, a strong allergic reaction
Slender and scaly bodies with thin legs and a large proboscis
Adults grow to between 3 and 9 mm long
Thrive in hot and humid environments and found across the United States
Commonly found near swamps and ponds however, they are also found near any still body of water which is why they are often found in yards
Can transmit a variety of diseases including encephalitis, Zika virus, West Nile virus, malaria and Chikungunya virus.
Horse Flies
Gray or black in color with bright green eyes
Adults are between ½ and 1 ¼ inches long
Thrive in moist areas of the United States
Gravitate toward damp and warm areas which is why they are usually found close to lakes, streams and pools
Bites are painful and can cause allergic reactions
If bites are left untreated they can cause bacterial infections
Can transmit equine infectious anemia, often referred to as swamp fever
Identifying Species of Filth Flies
House Flies
Gray with 4 black stripes on the thorax and hair bodies with red eyes with thousands of lenses in each eye, providing a vast range of vision
Most common species of flies
Adults grow to between ⅛ and ¼ inches
Found across the United States, usually found in humid and warm conditions
Feed on trash, feces and decaying food or substances
Usually encountered near humans
Spread pathogens including conjunctivitis, salmonellosis, tuberculosis, typhoid fever and gastroenteritis.
Drain Flies
Also known as sewer flies and moth flies
Gray or tan in color with large, hairy wings
Between 1 ½ and 5 mm long
Found across the United States
Thrive near drains and sewers
If they are in in your home this is a sign of a blocked drain
Spread bacteria near drains and around kitchen areas
Can trigger asthma in sufferers and cause a parasitic infestation of human tissue known as myiasis
Blowflies
Also known as bottle flies
Range in color from green or blue to black or bronze
Shiny bodies
Adults grow to between 8 and 10 mm
Found across the United States and live in warm, humid environments with low wind
Larvae grow inside bodies of deceased animals which means the presence of blow flies indoors may be an indication of a dead animal within your home or business
Spread bacteria that can cause bacteria
Spread pathogens such as tuberculosis, tularemia and anthrax
Fruit Flies
Brown or tan in color with dark or red eyes
Grow between 3 or 4 mm long
Found anywhere in the United States
Found near rotting or ripe fruit and fermented items, mop buckets, drains and garbage disposals
Spread bacteria including listeria, salmonella and E.coli
Phorid Flies
Usually brown or black in color, while some have a yellow tinge
Phorid flies have two nicknames, the first being “humpbacked flies” due to their significantly arched thoraxes and the second being “scuttle flies” due to their erratic behavior
Adults grow to between ½ and 5 ½ mm long
Located across the United States wherever there is moisture
Commonly found near drains, garbage cans, crawl spaces and plumbing
They feed on rotting food which allows them to spread bacteria that causes diseases such as conjunctivitis, hepatitis A, gastroenteritis and salmonellosis as well as tuberculosis
Infestations can become expensive as they usually develop within plumbing systems which can cause expensive damage
Eliminate breeding in plumbing by scrubbing drains with drain cleaner in a foam formant
If you are struggling with fly infestations or have any questions regarding these annoying insects, call the Twin-Boro experts today.