Phorid Flies

What do phorid flies look like?

Adult phorid flies are small, growing to be between 1/16 and 1/8 of an inch in length. Phorid flies are dark brown, black, or yellow, and they have distinctive arched thoraxes that give them a "humpbacked" appearance. The veins in the front portion of their wings are heavily pigmented and become fainter as the veins move toward the back of the wing. Phorid flies are weak fliers and have a non-linear, short flight pattern.

Where are phorid flies found?

Female phorid flies lay their eggs and feed on decaying organic materials and can be found living both outside and inside, if the conditions are right. After the larvae hatch from the eggs, they will feed on the food source that they were laid on. After developing, the larvae move from the moist food source they were originally laid on to a drier location in order to pupate. Adults will emerge to breed, feed, and create more phorid flies. Phorid flies thrive in very moist areas, and an infestation within your Iowa or Illinois home can be an indicator of a water leak behind walls or underneath the foundation.

What do phorid flies eat?

Phorid flies lay their eggs and feed on manure, animal carcasses, and decaying fruits and vegetables. They also really enjoy the decaying matter and sludge that builds up inside sink and tub drains. Unfortunately, their eating habits make them a threat to health and safety. When they touch down on kitchen counters and other food prep surfaces, the risk of contamination greatly increases.

DIY phorid fly prevention and control tips

As a homeowner, there are several things that you can do within your home and around your property to help reduce the probability of phorid flies becoming a problem:

• Repair leaky fixtures, faucets, or pipes found both inside and outside of your home.

• Make sure that gutters are in good working order and are directing water away from the outside of your home.

• Seal any cracks or crevices found in your home’s foundation and caulk any gaps found around windows doors.

• Clean up all pet feces on a regular basis.

• Store food in the refrigerator or in sealed containers instead of out on counters or tables.

• Remove garbage from your home and store it outside in containers with tight-fitting lids.

• Quickly get rid of overripe fruits and vegetables from your kitchen and pantry areas.

Professional phorid fly control

To eliminate phorid flies around your home or business, please contact Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators. Serving central and north central Illinois as well as southeastern Iowa, our pest control company offers effective solutions for both residential and commercial environments.