More than 100 pathogens are associated with the house fly, including Salmonella, Staphylococcus, E. coli, and Shigella. These pathogens can cause disease in humans and animals, including typhoid fever, cholera, bacillary dysentery and hepatitis. Sanitation is critical to controlling these pests, but accurate identification is essential for successful fly control.

Here are some other things you should know about flies and fly control:

• Depending on the species, the life expectancy of a fly is eight days to two months or, in some cases, up to a year.

• Flies belong to the order Diptera, meaning two wings.

• Flies plague every part of the world except the polar ice caps.

• One pair of flies can produce more than 1 million offspring through their offsprings’ offspring in a matter of weeks.

• Millions of microorganisms may flourish in a single fly’s gut, while a half-billion more swarm over its body and legs.

• Flies spread diseases readily because they move quickly from rotting, disease-laden garbage and animal feces to exposed human foods, food preparation surfaces, kitchen machinery and utensils.

• Because they only have two wings, flies land often and therefore can deposit thousands of bacteria each time they land.

• There is no data to hand for the value of conaminated agricultural products in New Zealand – yet the U.S. Department of Agriculture sources reveal that flies contaminate or destroy US$10 billion worth of agricultural products annually.

• Every time a fly lands, it sloughs off thousands of microbes. If a fly lands on food, food preparation surfaces, kitchen machinery and utensils, customers may ingest germs that can trigger serious illness such as diarrhea, food poisoning, meningitis and bloodstream infections. When flies feed on waste, they collect pathogens on their legs and mouths. These pathogens are then transferred to food on tables or counters when a fly lands again. Flies regurgitate on solid food then they eat the liquid. They are capable of transmitting disease when they vomit, groom themselves, or just walk on surfaces.

The best way to repel flies is through simple, preventive measures. Flies prefer warm temperatures and are most active from late spring to early autumn. In order to best repel flies during this time, limit access to your home as much as possible, keeping doors and windows closed. You may also choose to screen windows, doors and vents. Keep garbage cans clean and securely closed. Keeping surfaces clean will make your home less appealing to flies. For best results, contact a pest control professional to discuss extermination options.

The different types of flies we see as pests:

• Domestic house fly. These come in a variety of sizes and colours.

• Blue or Green Bottle or Blow Fly

• Cluster fly. As the name suggests they are found in groups or clusters.

• Fruit fly. Can be found in houses when fruit becomes over ripe. Common in bars and restaurants.

• Moth fly or drain fly. Moth flies need nutrient rich water for their life cycle to work.

Why do I have them?

• House flies are a seasonal pest. In the hotter months they increase in numbers and become a pest in homes and businesses.

• Cluster flies appear in mass when you have a lot of earth worms in your garden. They move inside your house or business when the weather cools down. Once inside they lay down a pheromone resulting in clusters or groups of flies. Due to the cool temperatures they are docile and slow moving.

• Fruit flies are often found in restaurants, cafes and bars. Their reproduction occurs inside pipes and drains and decaying fruit inside bins and boxes.

• Moth and or Drain flies need a nutrient rich water for their life cycle to work. This is often a sign there is a drain and or sewerage blockage issue or a water trap issue that will need to be attended to.