Flies
Common Housefly, Musca domestica
Adults are 6-8mm long. Wing span 13-15mm. The thorax is grey with four longitudinal dark stripes. The fourth vein on the wing bends sharply forward, almost reaching the third vein. The sides of the abdomen are yellowish and maybe transparent. A central dark band broadens at the back to cover the final abdominal segments. The larvae is a typical maggot and changes colour from white to cream.
Lesser Housefly, Fannia canicularis
5-6mm long with a grey thorax with three indistinct longitudinal stripes on it. The abdomen has an extensive area of yellow at its base. Wing span is 10-12mm and venation is characteristic with the fourth longitudinal vein extending to the wing margin in a relatively straight line.
Potential vectors have a wide range of diseases such as dysentery gastroenteritis and tuberculosis. They can transmit intestinal worms. They move from filth to food and therefore move pathogens from dirty to clean areas. Fly spotting is produced when feeding and defecating.
Fruit Flies , Drosophila spp
Small yellowish/brown flies with darkly striped abdomen. Prominent compound eyes are generally red in colour. The wings have two clear notches in the front border, which can clearly be seen with a hand lens.
Associated with human food preparation and storage areas. They are a source of annoyance in kitchens restaurants etc. Attracted to alcohol and waste fruit. These flies are harmless to humans and do not bite. Outbreaks of infestation are often indicative of less than adequate hygiene or drainage problems. May also breed in milk bottles.
Blowfly - Calliphora Erythrocephala
Adults generally 9-13mm long with a wing span of 18-20 mm. Large robust flies with a stout abdomen. The thorax and abdomen is black/blue.
Attracted to rotting animal remains on which to lay eggs. They can mistake stored meat as a suitable ‘host’. The possibility of disease spread is similar to the House Fly.
Stable Fly , Stomoxys calcitrans
5.5mm-9mm in length. Wing span of 15mm approx. The thorax has dark stripes on a grey background (similar to the house fly) but is easily distinguished by the fact that the piercing mouth parts project forward from the head and are kept permanently in that position. Lay eggs in animal manure and rotting vegetation.
The adult flies are blood feeders and can bite humans. Preferred hosts are cattle and horses. They generally bite around the legs and ankles. Clothing is no barrier. Secondary infection can occur if the wound is scratched. Bare skin is rarely attacked. Dogs cats and poultry may also be attacked. The stable fly has been implicated as a transmitter of poliomyelitis in rare cases larvae cause intestinal myiasis in man.
Flesh Fly , Sarcophaga carnaria
10-18mm body length. Wing span of about 22mm. They are bristly grey flies with three distinct black stripes on the thorax. The abdomen has checkered patterning which changes according to the angle of view.
Generally associated with rotten meat. They can utilise stored meat as a larviposition. Carcasses of birds and rodents are also used. In general, adult flies are rarely found indoors.
Window Fly, Window Gnat - Sylvicola fenestralis
Adult fly 6mm-7mm. Wing span 15mm-17mm in length. The colouration is predominantly dark brown with a light striped appearance. Wings are strongly veined with brown shaded areas in the membranous zones with a dark patch on the leading edge of the wing.
Eggs are laid in wet areas rich in organic matter e.g. sewerage works. Adult flies constitute a nuisance in domestic premises where they are often found on the windows.
Advanced Rodent Control.