Flies & Mosquitoes
Dealing with Fly & Mosquito problems in your Home
Not only are flies a nuisance, but some species of flies pose health risks. Did you know that house flies transmit a wide range of diseases including salmonella, dysentery, tuberculosis, cholera and parasitic worms?
In South Africa, mosquitoes are less likely to spread disease than in the tropics, but the irritation caused by mosquito bites can be distressing, particularly for children.
Types of flies and flying insects
There are many different species of flies but the most common fly problems are caused by:
- Houseflies: Adult house flies are 6-7mm in size. Female house flies lay 400-600 eggs in decaying matter or faeces which develop into maggot larvae. House flies are attracted to any uncovered food or organic waste.
- Blow Flies or Bottle Flies: Adults are 6-12mm in size, usually metallic blue or green in colour, but can also be black or grey. Significant numbers of these flies in a house will often indicate a dead animal (such as a mouse) on the property.
- Cluster Flies: Adults are 6-10mm in size. Cluster flies often take shelter over the winter inside homes (such as in attics) and can be seen in large numbers in the home as they emerge in the spring.
- Mosquitoes: Adult mosquitoes are 5mm and can to found near still water where their larvae develop. Our guide to insect bites advises on treatment for bites.
How to control flies and keep flies away
To ensure you exercise proper control over these pesky flying insects, it is important not to attract flies with food sources or provide areas for fly larvae to develop:
- Always cover food; flies spread disease by landing on food before we eat it. Clear away food and liquid spillages immediately and also take care to clean food debris from under kitchen appliances.
- Make sure all rubbish bins have tightly sealed lids.
- Keep compost enclosed and covered.
- Clean up after pets; faeces are the perfect breeding place for flies. This is an area of concern as flies may come into contact with faeces before landing on your food.
Prevent flies from being able to develop in still-standing water:
- Ensure that your drains are kept clear and running: treat drains that seem to contain flies with bleach, and ensure gutters and water gullies are not blocked. Control your fly problem by covering water butts with a lid and not leaving water around (e.g. in watering cans).
- Introduce goldfish into garden ponds to eat fly larvae.
Finally prevent flies entering your home:
- After dark, keep windows and doors closed or block out the light with curtains.
- Control flies by fitting fly screens to windows, especially around kitchen and waste areas
A wide range of DIY fly products are available to kill flies, such as fly spray and insect repellent, but an established fly infestation may require professional pest control to get rid of flies effectively
While DIY products can deal with a smaller fly problem, a professional pest control service will be required to treat a larger fly infestation. Expert Rentokil technicians understand the habits of each fly species and also have a range of powerful insecticides to get rid of flies and provide the reassurance that the fly problem has been fully dealt with.
Rentokil offers a call-out service to get rid of flies, flying insects and other pest problems in the home. Our service is fast, effective and offers the highest level of safety for your family and pets.
If you would like further advice on how to get rid of flies or to arrange a visit by a Rentokil technician, call us free on 0800 117 852 or email us.