Flies
House flies, blow flies, and cluster flies are major nuisances in Maine, especially in rural areas near farms or wooded lots.
About Flies in Central Maine
Several fly species are common problems in Central Maine homes. House flies are the most familiar — they breed in garbage, animal waste, and decaying organic matter, landing on food and surfaces and spreading bacteria with every touch. Blow flies (metallic green or blue) are attracted to decaying meat and can indicate a dead animal in a wall void or attic. Cluster flies are larger, slower flies that invade attics and wall voids by the thousands in autumn to overwinter, emerging on warm days throughout winter and spring. Fruit flies breed in overripe produce, drains, and mop buckets. All flies reproduce rapidly and can contaminate food with disease-causing organisms including E. coli and salmonella.
Signs of Flies
- Increased fly activity indoors, especially near windows and kitchens
- Maggots in garbage cans, pet areas, or near organic waste
- Large numbers of slow-moving flies in attics or upper floors (cluster flies)
- Metallic-colored flies indoors (may indicate a dead animal nearby)
- Small flies hovering around drains, fruit bowls, or trash cans
Prevention Tips
- Keep garbage in sealed containers and take it out regularly
- Clean up pet waste promptly from your yard
- Install and maintain tight-fitting window screens
- Store produce in the refrigerator and dispose of overripe fruit
- Seal entry points in soffits, attic vents, and around windows before fall
- Clean drains regularly to prevent drain fly breeding
Did You Know?
- 1.A single house fly can carry over 100 different disease-causing pathogens
- 2.House flies taste with their feet — they have taste receptors on their leg hairs
- 3.A female house fly can lay up to 500 eggs in her 30-day lifespan
Need Help With Flies?
Our general pest control service targets flies at the source. Contact us for a free inspection and quote.
