Flies

In the sweltering Texas heat, certain flies thrive, particularly in communities like Rockwall, Heath, Rowlett, and Forney. While everyone’s familiar with the bothersome house fly and the pesky horse fly that torments livestock, there are a couple more to watch out for: the flesh fly and deer fly.

These larger flies, such as the horse fly, deer fly, and flesh fly, can grow up to an inch in length, dwarfing the common house fly. Among them, the flesh fly bears the closest resemblance to its smaller counterpart but is significantly larger.

Let’s delve into each type to understand what might be causing annoyance around your lakeside retreat, barn, or backyard.

House fly:

Measuring in at just 1/4 inch, these flies sport clear wings and four dark stripes along their back. While they don’t bite, they’re notorious for contaminating food and spreading parasites and bacteria. Their eggs, laid on decaying food or waste, hatch into maggots, adding to the irritation.

House flies are highly adaptable insects, able to thrive in a wide range of environments, from urban areas to rural farms. Their rapid reproductive cycle allows them to quickly establish large populations, making them a common sight in homes and businesses around the world. Despite their small size, house flies can pose significant health risks, especially in settings where sanitation practices are lacking. In addition to being vectors for diseases such as salmonella and E. coli, they can also trigger allergies and asthma in some individuals. Effective management of house flies typically involves implementing proper waste management, maintaining cleanliness, and using insecticides as needed.

Flesh fly:

At 3/4 inch long, flesh flies feature a distinctive black and gray checkerboard pattern on their abdomen, accompanied by red eyes. They scavenge dead insects or carcasses, laying their eggs internally. However, in rare instances, they may deposit eggs on open wounds, leading to the hatching of larvae that feed on flesh and wound fluids. Flesh flies, like their smaller counterparts, spread diseases and bacteria.

Flesh flies are commonly found in areas with decaying organic matter, such as garbage cans, compost piles, and animal remains. Their scavenging behavior plays an important role in the ecosystem by helping to break down dead organisms and recycle nutrients back into the environment. However, their ability to lay eggs in open wounds can pose a risk to both humans and animals, as the hatched larvae can cause serious infections if not properly treated. Due to their potential role in disease transmission, it is important to take measures to prevent flesh flies from breeding near living spaces and to promptly address any wounds that may attract these insects.

Horse fly:

These are very large flies, measuring an inch in length, exhibit intricate wing and abdomen patterns. While male horse flies primarily feed on nectar, the females are notorious bloodsuckers, targeting both animals and humans. They lay their eggs on vegetation above water and are capable of transmitting diseases through their bites.

Horse flies are known for their painful bites, which can result in swelling, itching, and discomfort for their victims. The females use their sharp mouthparts to slice through the skin and feed on the blood, often causing irritation and potential allergic reactions in some individuals. These flies are most active during the day and are attracted to movement, warmth, and carbon dioxide, making outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing prime targets for their attacks. While their presence can be a nuisance, horse flies play a role in the ecosystem as both pollinators and prey for other animals.

Deer fly:

Similar in size to the horse fly, these 1/2-inch-long insects boast clear wings and distinctive black and brown patterns with yellow markings on their abdomen.

Female deer flies, like their horse fly counterparts, lay eggs on vegetation above water, while the males stick to nectar. Both genders are notorious biters, drawing blood from their victims.

Deer flies are known for their painful bites, which can cause irritation, swelling, and itching. These flies are active during the day and are often found near bodies of water such as lakes, ponds, and marshes. They are strong fliers and can be persistent in pursuing their hosts. Deer flies are attracted to movement, warmth, and carbon dioxide, making them particularly bothersome to humans and animals alike. To protect oneself from deer fly bites, wearing light-colored clothing, using insect repellent, and avoiding peak biting times can be helpful strategies.

Whether you reside lakeside, in rural areas, or within city limits, chances are you’ve encountered one or more of these flying nuisances. Instead of reaching for the flyswatter, consider reaching out to Safe Earth Pest Control. Contact us here today or call – 214-321-2847. We offer customizable plans tailored to your needs, ensuring a pest-free environment.