FLY EXTERMINATOR - MONTREAL & SOUTH SHORE

Here are some common types of flies:

1. Houseflies (Musca domestica):
   

   • Common in homes and places where food is present.

   • Greyish with four dark stripes on their thorax.

1. Fruit Flies (Drosophila melanogaster):
   

   • Small, reddish-brown flies often found around overripe fruit or fermented foods.

   • Known for their quick reproduction and attraction to sugary substances.

1. Blowflies (Calliphoridae family):
   

   • Metallic blue, green, or black flies often seen around decaying organic matter.

   • Important in forensic entomology due to their role in decomposition.

1. Flesh Flies (Sarcophagidae family):
   

   • Grey or black with red or orange markings.

   • Lay eggs on decaying flesh, carrion, or animal waste.

1. Horse Flies (Tabanidae family):
   

   • Large, aggressive flies that bite and feed on blood.

   • Often found near livestock and in rural areas.

1. Deer Flies (Chrysops species):
   

   • Smaller than horse flies but similar in behavior, they also bite and feed on blood.

   • Often found in wooded or grassy areas.

1. Stable Flies (Stomoxys calcitrans):
   

   • Resemble houseflies but with a more pronounced biting mouthpart.

   • Common around livestock and in stables.

1. Cluster Flies (Pollenia rudis):
   

   • Large, sluggish flies that are often found in clusters, especially in the autumn.

   • Attracted to warm, sheltered areas for overwintering.

1. Drain Flies (Psychodidae family):
   

   • Small, hairy flies that breed in organic matter found in drains.

   • Often seen around sinks and drains in homes.

1. Sand Flies (Phlebotominae subfamily):
   

   • Tiny, biting flies found in sandy or moist areas.

   • Known for transmitting diseases like leishmaniasis.

1. Window Flies (Fannia canicularis):
   

   • Medium-sized flies that are commonly seen around windows.

   • Their larvae develop in decaying organic matter.

1. Moth Flies (Psychodidae family):
   

   • Small, fuzzy flies resembling moths.

   • Commonly found in moist, decaying environments.

1. Syrphid Flies (Syrphidae family):
   

   • Also known as hoverflies, these flies mimic bees and are beneficial as pollinators.

   • Often seen hovering near flowers.

1. Tachinid Flies (Tachinidae family):
   

   • Parasitoid flies that lay eggs on other insects, including agricultural pests.

   • Important for biological control in pest management.

1. Picture-winged Flies (Ulidiidae family):
   

   • Characterized by distinctive wing markings.

   • Can be pests of crops and are found in various environments.

Each type of fly has unique behaviors and habitats, making them important to study for pest management and ecological balance.

Flies reproduce through a process that involves several stages, typically including mating, egg-laying, and the development of larvae into adult flies. Here’s a general overview of how flies reproduce:

1. Mating:
   

   • Courtship: Flies often engage in courtship behaviors to attract mates. This can include visual displays, pheromone releases, or specific mating dances.

   • Mating: Once a mate is selected, the male fly will transfer sperm to the female fly during mating. This process can vary in duration and complexity depending on the fly species.

1. Egg-Laying:
   

   • Egg Placement: After mating, the female fly will lay eggs. The location for egg-laying depends on the species. For instance, houseflies often lay their eggs on decaying organic matter, while fruit flies prefer overripe or fermenting fruit.

   • Eggs: Fly eggs are typically small and often laid in clusters. The exact number of eggs laid can vary by species but usually ranges from dozens to hundreds.

1. Larval Stage:
   

   • Hatching: Fly eggs hatch into larvae (maggots) within a few hours to a few days, depending on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity.

   • Development: Larvae feed on the surrounding material (e.g., decaying matter, food scraps) and grow rapidly. This stage can last from a few days to several weeks.

1. Pupal Stage:
   

   • Pupa Formation: After the larval stage, flies enter the pupal stage, where they form a protective casing around themselves called a puparium or pupa.

   • Metamorphosis: Inside the puparium, the fly undergoes metamorphosis, transforming from a larva into an adult fly. This process can take several days to weeks.

1. Emergence:
   

   • Adult Fly: Once metamorphosis is complete, the adult fly emerges from the puparium. Initially, the adult fly’s exoskeleton is soft and its wings are not fully developed, but it hardens and becomes fully functional within a short period.

1. Maturity:
   

   • Mating: Once fully matured, the adult fly begins the cycle again by mating and starting the reproductive process.

The entire life cycle of a fly, from egg to adult, can vary in length depending on the species and environmental conditions. Some flies have a life cycle that can be completed in just a few weeks, while others may take longer.

A fly's lifespan varies depending on the species and environmental conditions. Here are general lifespans for some common types of flies:

1. **Houseflies (Musca domestica)**:

- **Lifespan**: Approximately 15 to 30 days.

- **Factors**: Their lifespan can be influenced by factors like temperature, food availability, and environmental conditions.

2. **Fruit Flies (Drosophila melanogaster)**:

- **Lifespan**: Around 30 to 50 days.

- **Factors**: Their lifespan can vary based on food sources and temperature. They tend to live longer in cooler conditions.

3. **Blowflies (Calliphoridae family)**:

- **Lifespan**: Typically 2 to 4 weeks.

- **Factors**: Blowflies' lifespans can be affected by their environment and availability of decaying matter.

4. **Flesh Flies (Sarcophagidae family)**:

- **Lifespan**: Generally 2 to 4 weeks.

- **Factors**: Their lifespan is influenced by environmental conditions and the availability of suitable breeding sites.

5. **Horse Flies (Tabanidae family)**:

- **Lifespan**: Around 30 to 60 days.

- **Factors**: Horse flies' lifespans can vary depending on temperature and food availability.

6. **Deer Flies (Chrysops species)**:

- **Lifespan**: Typically 1 to 2 months.

- **Factors**: Lifespan can be influenced by environmental conditions and availability of hosts for blood-feeding.

7. **Stable Flies (Stomoxys calcitrans)**:

- **Lifespan**: About 2 to 4 weeks.

- **Factors**: Their lifespan can be affected by temperature, humidity, and availability of blood meals.

8. **Cluster Flies (Pollenia rudis)**:

- **Lifespan**: Several months.

- **Factors**: They can live longer as adults, especially when overwintering in sheltered locations.

9. **Drain Flies (Psychodidae family)**:

- **Lifespan**: About 1 to 3 weeks.

- **Factors**: Their lifespan is influenced by environmental conditions and availability of breeding sites in drains.

10. **Sand Flies (Phlebotominae subfamily)**:

- **Lifespan**: Approximately 2 to 4 weeks.

- **Factors**: Lifespan can vary with environmental conditions and availability of suitable breeding sites.

These lifespans are approximate and can vary depending on environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and availability of food. Flies typically have short life cycles, with many species able to reproduce rapidly and complete their life cycle in a matter of weeks.

Effective fly control in homes involves a combination of preventive measures and active management. Here are some best practices to help keep flies at bay:

### 1. **Maintain Cleanliness**

- **Clean Surfaces**: Regularly clean countertops, floors, and other surfaces to remove food residues and spills that can attract flies.

- **Clean Up Food Waste**: Dispose of food scraps and leftovers promptly. Use sealed containers for compost and trash.

- **Wipe Down Surfaces**: Regularly wipe down surfaces in kitchens and dining areas, especially where food is prepared or consumed.

### 2. **Proper Waste Management**

- **Seal Garbage Bins**: Use bins with tight-fitting lids to prevent flies from accessing waste.

- **Regularly Empty Bins**: Take out the trash frequently to reduce the time flies have to access potential breeding sites.

- **Clean Bins**: Wash and disinfect trash and compost bins regularly to remove residues that attract flies.

### 3. **Control Food Sources**

- **Store Food Properly**: Keep food in airtight containers and avoid leaving food exposed.

- **Refrigerate**: Store perishable foods in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage and reduce attractiveness to flies.

### 4. **Eliminate Breeding Sites**

- **Fix Leaks**: Repair any leaky faucets or pipes that create damp environments, which are attractive to flies like drain flies.

- **Clean Drains**: Regularly clean and sanitize drains to prevent the buildup of organic matter that can attract flies.

- **Remove Decaying Organic Matter**: Promptly remove and dispose of dead animals, pet waste, and other decaying matter.

### 5. **Use Fly Traps and Repellents**

- **Fly Traps**: Set up fly traps, such as sticky traps or fly paper, in areas where flies are common.

- **Insecticides**: Use fly sprays or foggers as needed, following safety instructions for indoor use.

- **Natural Repellents**: Consider using natural fly repellents like essential oils (e.g., eucalyptus, lavender) or fly repellent plants (e.g., basil, mint) to deter flies.

### 6. **Seal Entry Points**

- **Close Gaps**: Seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and other entry points to prevent flies from entering your home.

- **Install Screens**: Use screens on windows and doors to keep flies out while allowing ventilation.

### 7. **Maintain Outdoor Areas**

- **Keep Outdoor Areas Clean**: Regularly clean patios, decks, and other outdoor areas to minimize fly attraction.

- **Manage Compost**: Use a sealed compost bin and ensure it’s managed properly to reduce fly attraction.

### 8. **Address Fly Infestations Promptly**

- **Identify Sources**: If you have a fly infestation, identify and address the source of the problem, such as a decaying food item or unclean drain.

- **Seek Professional Help**: For severe infestations, consider contacting a pest control professional for effective treatment and advice.

By implementing these practices, you can significantly reduce the presence of flies in your home and minimize their impact.

Flies are opportunistic feeders, and their diet depends on the species and the environment. Commonly, they eat:

1. Rotting Organic Matter: Many species, such as houseflies, are attracted to decaying food, garbage, and animal waste, which they feed on.

2. Sweet Substances: Flies are drawn to sugary liquids like fruit juices, honey, or even soda.

3. Fruits and Vegetables: Flies, especially fruit flies, are attracted to overripe or fermenting fruits and vegetables.

4. Feces: Some species of flies, like dung flies, feed on animal feces.

5. Nectar: Certain flies, such as hoverflies, feed on nectar from flowers.

6. Decaying Meat: Carrion flies are attracted to and feed on rotting meat.

7. Exudates: Flies will also consume sap or other plant exudates.

Flies generally feed by vomiting digestive enzymes onto food, liquefying it, and then sucking it up.

Flies can enter the home in several ways:

1. Open Doors and Windows: The most common way flies enter a home is through open doors and windows. Without proper screens, flies can easily fly indoors in search of food or a place to breed.

2. Cracks and Gaps: Flies can squeeze through small cracks or gaps around windows, doors, or walls. Even tiny openings can be large enough for flies to gain access.

3. Exhaust Vents and Air Conditioning Units: Flies can enter homes through vents, especially if they aren't properly sealed. Air conditioning or heating units with vents can also provide an entry point.

4. Unsanitary Items: Flies can hitch a ride into the home on grocery bags, boxes, or other items that have been outside or in contact with fly-infested areas like trash bins.

5. Pet Doors: Flies can enter through pet doors or other openings meant for animals to go in and out of the house.

6. Through Drains or Pipes: Certain types of flies, like drain flies, may enter homes through drains, sewers, or pipes, especially if there is standing water or organic matter inside.

7. Infested Food: Sometimes, flies may already be present in food brought into the home, particularly overripe fruit or contaminated food products, and they can emerge from these sources.

To prevent flies from entering the home, it's important to keep doors and windows closed or use screens, seal any cracks or gaps, clean up any food debris, and ensure all ventilation systems are properly sealed.

Fly infestations are typically caused by a combination of environmental conditions, human habits, and lack of proper pest control. Some of the key factors include:

1. Poor Sanitation: Flies are attracted to decaying organic matter, such as food scraps, garbage, animal waste, and dead bodies. If these are not properly disposed of or cleaned up, they can provide a constant food source for flies.

2. Unsealed Entry Points: Flies can easily enter through open doors, windows, cracks, and gaps in the structure of a home or building. Without proper sealing, flies can infest indoor spaces.

3. Presence of Breeding Sites: Flies lay their eggs in areas with organic waste, including garbage bins, compost piles, animal feces, or even decaying food. If these areas are not regularly cleaned, they can serve as breeding grounds, leading to infestations.

4. Improper Waste Management: Flies are attracted to trash that isn't properly disposed of or stored. If garbage bins are left uncovered or garbage isn't taken out regularly, it can attract flies.

5. Overripe or Rotting Food: Food left out, especially overripe fruit or uncovered food, can attract flies. Flies may lay eggs on these food items, leading to an infestation.

6. Standing Water: Stagnant water in sinks, basements, or clogged drains can attract certain types of flies, such as drain flies, which breed in wet environments.

7. Warm Weather: Flies tend to breed and reproduce more quickly in warmer temperatures. Hot weather can cause fly populations to explode if the conditions are right.

8. Livestock or Pet Feces: Areas with livestock or pets can also attract flies, especially when waste is not properly managed. Animal waste is a prime breeding ground for flies, particularly houseflies and blowflies.

9. Neglected or Unsealed Trash Cans: Trash cans or bins that are left open or not regularly emptied can serve as an ideal breeding ground for flies, attracting them from both indoors and outdoors.

By addressing these factors through better sanitation, sealing entry points, and eliminating breeding sites, you can prevent fly infestations and reduce their presence.

Flies can negatively affect human health in several ways, primarily through the transmission of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Here's how flies impact health:

1. Disease Transmission:

Flies are known to carry and spread a variety of diseases due to their habits and feeding patterns. Common health risks include:

• Bacterial Infections: Flies often feed on decaying organic matter, feces, or waste, which can carry harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter. These bacteria can be transferred to food and surfaces, leading to gastrointestinal illnesses, food poisoning, and infections.

• Viral Infections: Flies can also carry viruses such as the enteric viruses that cause stomach infections. These viruses can be spread through contaminated food or surfaces.

• Parasites: Flies can transport parasitic eggs, such as those from intestinal worms or tapeworms, particularly if they land on contaminated food or surfaces.

• Cholera and Dysentery: In areas with poor sanitation, flies can contribute to the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera and dysentery by contaminating drinking water or food supplies.

2. Allergic Reactions:

Some people may develop allergic reactions to flies, particularly to proteins found in their saliva, waste, or body parts. These reactions can manifest as:

• Skin rashes

• Itching or swelling

• Respiratory issues, such as asthma attacks or nasal congestion

3. Food Contamination:

Flies are notorious for landing on food, especially in kitchens, restaurants, and places where food is stored or prepared. The pathogens they carry from unsanitary environments, like garbage, can quickly contaminate food. This can lead to foodborne illnesses, including:

• Food poisoning caused by bacteria like Salmonella and Listeria

• Gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhea

4. Eye Infections:

Flies can transmit diseases to the eyes, especially in people with weakened immune systems. They can transfer bacteria or other pathogens from their legs or body to the eyes, potentially causing conjunctivitis (pink eye) or other eye infections. In rare cases, flies may deposit larvae near the eyes, leading to myiasis, a parasitic condition.

5. Infection of Wounds:

Flies, especially blowflies, are attracted to open wounds, sores, or infections. They can lay eggs in these areas, and the larvae (maggots) can infest the wound, causing further infection and tissue damage. This can result in myiasis, a potentially serious condition that requires medical treatment.

6. Mental and Physical Discomfort:

While not directly dangerous, the presence of flies can cause significant discomfort. They are persistent and can be a nuisance, especially in places like homes, restaurants, and hospitals. This constant annoyance can lead to stress, frustration, and distractions, affecting well-being.

How to Minimize Health Risks:

To reduce the health risks posed by flies, consider the following steps:

• Keep food covered and stored properly.

• Clean and sanitize your home, especially kitchen and dining areas, to eliminate potential fly attractants.

• Seal entry points: Install screens on windows and doors to prevent flies from entering your home.

• Use fly repellents and traps to reduce fly populations.

• Dispose of waste regularly and securely to prevent flies from laying eggs in garbage.

By taking these preventive measures, you can limit the potential health risks associated with flies.

The life cycle of a fly typically consists of four main stages: egg, larva (or maggot), pupa, and adult. Here's a breakdown of each stage:

1. Egg Stage:

• Duration: A few hours to 1-2 days, depending on environmental conditions.

• Description: The life cycle begins when a female fly lays her eggs, often in decaying organic matter, food waste, or manure. A female fly can lay hundreds of eggs in her lifetime. These eggs are usually laid in clusters and are white, tiny, and oval-shaped.

• Egg Placement: Common places for egg-laying include garbage, compost piles, rotting food, animal carcasses, or other moist environments.

2. Larval Stage (Maggot):

• Duration: 3 to 10 days, depending on temperature and food availability.

• Description: Once the eggs hatch, fly larvae (commonly known as maggots) emerge. They are typically small, legless, and white, with a soft, worm-like appearance. Maggots feed on decaying organic matter, which provides them with nutrients to grow and develop.

• Growth: As they feed, maggots increase in size and undergo several molts, shedding their outer skins. The larval stage is a critical phase in their development, as it prepares them for the next stage.

3. Pupa Stage:

• Duration: 1 to 2 weeks, but it can vary.

• Description: After the larval stage, maggots enter the pupal stage. They leave their food source and seek a dry place to pupate. In this stage, the maggots form a protective casing, known as a puparium, around themselves. Inside, the maggot undergoes metamorphosis, changing into an adult fly.

• Development: During this stage, the fly undergoes significant transformation, reorganizing its body structure to form the adult fly. This process can take from a few days to several weeks, depending on environmental factors such as temperature and humidity.

4. Adult Stage:

• Duration: Typically 2 to 4 weeks, but can vary.

• Description: After completing metamorphosis, the adult fly emerges from the puparium. It is fully formed and ready to mate and reproduce. The adult fly has wings, legs, and compound eyes. It can fly and is typically attracted to food sources, waste, and decaying organic matter.

• Mating: Adult flies mate shortly after emerging. A single female fly can mate multiple times and produce numerous eggs in her lifetime, continuing the cycle.

Environmental Influence on Life Cycle:

The length of each stage can vary depending on factors such as:

• Temperature: Warmer temperatures speed up the development process, while cooler temperatures slow it down.

• Food Availability: Access to sufficient organic material accelerates the larval stage and promotes faster growth.

• Humidity: Flies thrive in moist conditions, and excessive dryness may hinder development.

Summary of Life Cycle Duration:

• Egg to adult: Around 7 to 10 days in optimal conditions.

• Egg to pupa: About 3 to 7 days.

• Pupa to adult: About 4 to 7 days.

In total, the entire life cycle of a fly can last as little as 7 days under optimal conditions, but in colder temperatures, it can extend to several weeks or even months.

Flies play several important roles in the ecosystem, contributing to the balance of nature in various ways:

1. Decomposition:

• Breaking Down Organic Matter: Flies, especially species like houseflies, blowflies, and flesh flies, are crucial for the decomposition process. Their larvae (maggots) feed on decaying organic matter, such as dead animals, rotting plant material, and food waste. This helps to break down and recycle nutrients back into the soil.

• Nutrient Recycling: By decomposing dead plants and animals, flies help return vital nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon to the environment, enriching the soil and promoting plant growth.

2. Pollination:

• Supporting Plant Reproduction: Many species of flies, including hoverflies and certain types of houseflies, act as pollinators. While feeding on nectar from flowers, they transfer pollen from one bloom to another, assisting in the fertilization process and helping plants produce seeds and fruit.

• Vital for Certain Crops: In some regions, flies are important pollinators for certain crops, such as fruits and vegetables, which rely on these insects for successful reproduction.

3. Food Source for Other Animals:

• Food for Predators: Flies are a key food source for many other animals, including birds, frogs, spiders, and small mammals. Their larvae (maggots) are particularly important in providing protein for a wide range of predatory insects and animals.

• Ecological Balance: The presence of flies supports the food chain, helping maintain ecological balance by providing sustenance for other organisms higher up in the food web.

4. Biological Indicators:

• Environmental Health: Flies, particularly their larvae, can serve as bioindicators of environmental health. Because they thrive in areas with decaying organic matter, they can help scientists monitor the levels of waste and pollution in certain ecosystems, providing insights into ecosystem dynamics and contamination.

5. Natural Pest Control:

• Predators of Other Pests: Certain types of flies, such as parasitic flies, help control the population of other pests. For example, parasitic wasps lay their eggs inside the bodies of harmful insects like aphids or caterpillars, and their larvae feed on these pests, helping to regulate pest populations.

• Competition with Harmful Insects: By feeding on decomposing matter, flies may help reduce the availability of food for harmful pests, thereby reducing the chances of pest infestations.

6. Biological Waste Management:

• Cleaning Up Waste: Flies contribute to natural waste management systems by feeding on animal waste, dead bodies, and food scraps. This helps to prevent the accumulation of waste in the environment and reduces the spread of bacteria and pathogens by recycling organic material.

In summary, flies are integral to the ecosystem, contributing to decomposition, pollination, food webs, and natural pest control. While they can be a nuisance in certain environments, their ecological functions are essential to maintaining a healthy, balanced environment.

Yes, flies can contribute to food poisoning, primarily through the transmission of harmful bacteria and pathogens. Here's how they can spread foodborne illnesses:

1. Carrying Bacteria and Pathogens

• On Their Bodies: Flies are often attracted to decaying organic matter, garbage, feces, and rotting food, which can harbor harmful bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, Shigella, and Campylobacter. These pathogens can easily cling to the flies' bodies, particularly their legs, mouthparts, and wings.

• During Feeding: As flies feed, they regurgitate digestive fluids onto the food, potentially contaminating it with pathogens. They also defecate on surfaces and food as they land, further increasing the risk of contamination.

2. Cross-Contamination

• Spreading Germs: Flies can transfer bacteria from unsanitary surfaces (like garbage or animal waste) to food preparation areas, countertops, dishes, or food itself. This can happen when flies land on food or surfaces in kitchens or restaurants.

• Eggs and Larvae: In some cases, flies may lay eggs on food, and their larvae can infest the food. This contamination can lead to the spoilage of food and increase the risk of foodborne illnesses if consumed.

3. Common Diseases Associated with Flies

• Food Poisoning: Flies can transmit pathogens that cause symptoms of food poisoning, such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever.

• Gastroenteritis: Illnesses like gastroenteritis can occur when flies spread bacteria that affect the stomach and intestines, leading to inflammation and discomfort.

• Dysentery: Some species of flies, particularly those that frequent unsanitary areas, can transmit pathogens that cause dysentery, which leads to severe diarrhea and dehydration.

4. Risk in Food Businesses

• Restaurants and Food Facilities: Flies pose a particular risk in food establishments, where contamination can lead to foodborne illness outbreaks, damaging the business's reputation and potentially leading to legal consequences.

• Home Kitchens: In residential kitchens, flies landing on uncovered food, dishes, or countertops can also pose a health risk, especially if food is not stored properly.

Prevention Tips:

• Sanitation: Keep areas clean and remove any food scraps, garbage, or organic waste that could attract flies.

• Cover Food: Store food in airtight containers to prevent flies from landing on it.

• Control Fly Populations: Use fly traps, screens, and professional pest control to reduce fly infestations.

• Dispose of Waste Properly: Ensure garbage is sealed in bins with tight-fitting lids to prevent flies from breeding in it.

By maintaining proper hygiene, sanitation, and pest control measures, you can reduce the risk of flies causing food poisoning and other health-related issues.