Fly Identification & Prevention

Flies are insects, and their wing structure is the best way to tell them apart from other insects. Flies only have one pair of wings, while other insects generally have two pairs. Having only one pair of wings means they can fly, but they are weak fliers and can only fly short distances before needing to land.

The more than 100,000 types of flies living worldwide do provide a helpful service. As scavengers, they help break down and eliminate decaying animal and plant matter. However, when flies decide to live and breed in and around our homes, they are unpleasant, unwanted pests you need to eliminate quickly.

Flies feed on decaying organic debris teeming with bacteria, parasites, and disease-causing pathogens. In our homes, flies will land on surfaces and food, contaminating them with things that can make us quite ill. Large populations of flies in our yards and inside our homes pose a significant health risk. On top of that, we can't ignore that flies are annoying. No one wants to be sitting in their house or outside on their deck, constantly having to swat at flies buzzing around, trying to land on you or the food you are eating

Flies are most problematic for Chicago homeowners in late spring and early fall, when our region's temperatures are highest. The warmer the temperature, the faster flies will complete their life cycle, and the more flies there will be buzzing around our yards and homes.

Flies are common household pests because our indoor and outdoor spaces provide these insects with ample access to food, water, and breeding sites. Flies naturally thrive around people and the necessities our properties offer.

Flies are discovered in large numbers swarming around feeding and breeding sites. Flies are most likely to become a problem wherever food is prepared, stored, eaten, or at disposal sites.

Restaurants, grocery stores, pet food stores, outdoor eating areas, trash receptacles, garbage piles, and most notably, our homes are places where flies thrive.

When flies take advantage of the food and breeding sites available in your Chicago yard, it won't be long until a slightly ajar window or door, torn screens, vent, or drain allows these pests to move into your home.

Once inside, flies will gather in areas that provide them easy access to food and water, usually kitchens and bathrooms. Light from TVs and indoor light fixtures will also attract the attention of flies.

If you are tired of flies buzzing around your yard or home, we don't blame you! Flies should never feel welcome where we live. If you're struggling with flies, it's time to implement a year-round home pest control plan to get rid of flies on your property and keep them from returning. Consistent pest control is the best way to maintain a property free of flies and our region's other most common pests. Call today for more information about the effective residential or commercial pest control services at Sleep Tight Extermination!

To help keep flies in Chicago from taking over your home, utilize the following prevention tips:

• Regularly remove trash from your house and place the bags outside in lidded trash cans.
• Store outdoor trash receptacles away from the outside of your home. 
• Regularly empty, clean, and sanitize trash cans and recycling bins.
• If you own pets, make sure to clean up their waste every day.
• Keep outdoor eating and cooking areas free of leftover food.
• Maintain a clean kitchen and store all food in the fridge or containers with airtight lids. 
• Never prop open your home's windows or doors.
• Quickly repair torn screens, worn weatherstripping, and caulk gaps or cracks that form in your foundation. 
• Keep drains clean and free of clogs.

For help controlling and eliminating flies, reach out and inquire about the fly control solutions in Chicago offered at Sleep Tight Extermination.