How to identify and get rid of flesh flies

We all know flies buzzing around our food and home is annoying, but have you ever stopped to think about where those 6 feet have been stepping recently? Maybe you shouldn't think about it after all, especially if you see flesh flies in and around your home.

Flesh flies are notorious for being the first at the scene of a dead animal or marching around a pile of feces. While they are great at decomposing all the nasty stuff we don't want to mess with or smell, we still don't want them hanging around our homes, food, or family.

So, if you see flesh flies in large numbers near your home, there's a good chance a dead animal is nearby, too!

Flesh flies are best identified by their black and gray stripes that run down their back. They also have checkered black and grey abdomens. They are larger than common houseflies, which also helps in their identification.

Signs of an infestation include a noticeable increase in fly activity, particularly around waste disposal areas or decaying organic matter. The presence of numerous flies in these areas often indicates a breeding site nearby, which can indicate a carcass of some sort.

What other flies look like a flesh fly?

Flesh flies are frequently confused with houseflies and blowflies. Unlike their smaller housefly cousins, flesh flies feature noticeable stripes and patterns. Blowflies, on the other hand, are known for their metallic blue or green coloration.

Flesh flies are adaptable and can be found throughout the United States, thriving in a variety of environments, from urban areas to rural settings. These flies are attracted to garbage, compost piles, pet waste outdoors, decaying organic matter, and exposed meats indoors. Anything smelly, rotting, and disgusting is a haven for these flies. They are often found in kitchens, waste disposal areas, and near pet areas.

One of the biggest ways to prevent flesh flies from disturbing your indoor and outdoor activities is sanitation. Keep your home and surrounding property clean of pet droppings, decomposing organic matter, or food waste. It's also a good idea to keep trash cans and dumpsters as far away from the home as possible.

To keep flies out of your home, repair screen doors or windows, seal gaps, and keep trash cleaned and removed from the home.

If you see lots of flies in your home, you might have a dead animal in a wall, attic, basement, or crawlspace. Indoor fly traps can control flies in the house, along with a trusty fly swatter.

For the best pest protection, check out Pestie's DIY pro-grade subscription, which offers a custom solution that takes only minutes to apply around your home. You'll sleep better knowing your home is protected from six-legged invaders.