The filthy habits of each fly in this category make them easy vectors of diseases. Hookworm, whipworm, tapeworm, pinworm, roundworm, cholera, bacillary dysentery, infantile diarrhea, typhoid and paratyphoid are disease-causing organisms with which these flies are associated. Filth flies pick up pathogenic organisms from sewage, garbage, manure, decaying bodies and other such sources. These flying pests initially pick up dangerous organisms with their mouth and other body parts. The organisms are then passed on to humans and animals through the feces and vomitus of the fly.

Fly Elimination

Locating and eliminating the food source of any filth fly is the key to eliminating them from any environment. Filth Fly breeding sites. Food sources for all flies are listed on the Breeding Site Chart.

Adult flies are easily killed by space sprays or fogs and (in most cases) can be captured using pheromone traps or plain sticky traps. These are useful tools but are only successful when used with other integrated pest management (IPM) procedures. These procedures include careful inspection, breeding site elimination and other ongoing sanitation programs.

Surface sprays should only be used outdoors to aid in fly control; indoor surface sprays are not considered safe or worth the effort. Spray the surfaces of exterior walls, dumpsters, trash cans or other outdoor areas where the flies actually rest or breed around the exterior of infested homes and other structures.

Filth Fly Breeding Sites

Possible breeding sites for filth flies include: Dead animals, decaying grass, decaying or damp organic material, garbage, manure and rotting fruits and vegetables. For more details on where your particular flying pest breeds, go to the fly food and fly breeding site information page.

filth flies