How are flies harmful?
Cluster flies are a nuisance pest capable of contaminating food and rapidly infesting homes. They enter homes in early fall to seek shelter from cooling temperatures. Soon a cluster of adult flies accumulates in wall voids and dark corners, under shelving, beneath curtains, and in other protected areas. They are stimulated by warmth and are often found on the south and west side of buildings. Once stimulated cluster flies are attracted to light.
The fruit fly is considered a nuisance pest as well as a contaminator of food. Large populations build up quickly, especially in food establishments. The main concern is that they have the potential to contaminate food with bacteria and other disease-producing organisms.
How do I identify the different types of flies?
The adult cluster fly is about 3/8" long, slightly larger than the common house fly. Their coloration is a non metallic dark gray. The thorax lacks distinct stripes and has numerous short golden hairs. The abdomen has irregular lighter areas.
Adult Fruit Flies are 1/8" long and full yellow-brown to dark brown. Some species have distinctive red eyes, and the wings have two breaks in the leading edge nearest the body. The larvae are small and very distinctive with an extended, stalk-like breathing tube at the rear of the body.