Blow/Bottle Flies
What do blow/bottle flies look like?
The blow/bottle fly looks fairly similar to the common housefly but is larger in size. Adults grow to be between 1/8 and 5/8 of an inch in length. Their bodies are usually black, metallic green, blue, or bronze. They have specialized sponge-like mouthparts that they use for feeding on liquids. Their larvae (maggots) are worm-like and pale yellow to white. They have hook-like mouthparts, are eyeless, and their tapered head is smaller than the back end of their body.
Where are blow/bottle flies found?
This fly’s claim to fame is that it is usually the first insect to arrive after an animal or person has died because they use carcasses to lay eggs in, and the maggots develop and feed on the meat. It is very common for a forensic entomologist to use the development timeline of the flies to help determine the time of death. Inside Quad City homes, these flies are often found behind walls, in crawlspaces, or in attics because they’ve discovered dead rodents, birds or wildlife in these areas. Outside, blow flies can be found infesting carcasses, garbage, animal feces, and decaying vegetation.
What do blow/bottle flies eat?
As mentioned above, these flies feed on decaying meats, carcasses, and garbage. They are also attracted to plants with a rotten meat smell.
DIY blow/bottle fly prevention and control tips
Blow/bottle flies are very dangerous pests to have infesting your home because they feed, breed, and live on rotting organic materials. This means that they carry some very dangerous bacteria and diseases on their bodies and legs that contaminate homes, food, and food prep areas.
To help prevent blow/bottle flies from being attracted to your property, you should make sure that trash is placed in cans that have tight-fitting or locking lids to keep the trash contained until pick-up day. It is also important to make sure that pet excrement is cleaned up daily from your yard. If gardens or fruit trees are located on your property, make sure to pick up items that have fallen to the ground.
Inspect your home’s doors and windows and caulk any gaps that are found around them and make sure that screens are completely intact. Seal any cracks found in exterior walls of the foundation. Inside of your home, it is a good idea to regularly remove garbage, routinely wash dirty dishes, and store food in sealed containers or in the refrigerator. Make sure to keep counters and floors in kitchen and pantry areas clean and free of spills and crumbs.
Professional blow/bottle fly control
At Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators, we know flies. More importantly, we know how to eliminate flies. Contact us today to find out how our residential and commercial pest control services for flies will put a stop to your fly problem.
Helpful Articles
A Helpful Guide To Blow Fly Control For Streator Property Owners
