
What Are the Different Types of Flies in Vancouver?
As Vancouver’s trusted eco-friendly pest control company since 2014, All Green Pest Control has extensive experience dealing with the various fly species that plague homes and businesses in the Greater Vancouver Area. In this guide, we’ll explore the most common types of flies found in Vancouver, their characteristics, potential risks, and effective control methods.
Common Fly Species in Vancouver
Vancouver’s temperate climate and diverse urban and natural environments provide ideal conditions for several fly species to thrive. Let’s take a closer look at the most prevalent types you’re likely to encounter:
House Flies
House flies are perhaps the most ubiquitous fly species in Vancouver. These medium-sized flies, measuring about 6 to 7 millimetres in length, have grey bodies with four dark stripes on their thorax. They’re known for their compound eyes (which can see in many directions at once) and ability to walk on vertical surfaces.
Behaviour: House flies are attracted to food waste and organic matter. They’re often found buzzing around garbage bins, compost piles, and food preparation areas.
Risks: House flies can carry over 100 pathogens including those causing typhoid, cholera, and salmonella. They contaminate food and surfaces by regurgitating and defecating as they feed.
Fruit Flies
Fruit flies are tiny pests, typically measuring 3 to 4 millimetres long. They have red eyes and tan or brownish bodies.
Behaviour: As their name suggests, fruit flies are attracted to ripe or fermenting fruits and vegetables. They’re common in kitchens, restaurants, and areas where produce is stored.
Risks: While fruit flies don’t bite, they can contaminate food and spread bacteria. Their presence can be particularly problematic for food service establishments.
Cluster Flies
Cluster flies are slightly larger than house flies, measuring 8 to 10 millimetres in length. They have dark grey bodies with golden hairs on their thorax.
Behaviour: Cluster flies are known for their habit of entering homes in large numbers during fall to overwinter. They often gather in attics, wall voids, and around windows.
Risks: While cluster flies don’t pose significant health risks, their tendency to invade homes in large numbers can be a nuisance.
Blow Flies/Bottle Flies
These flies are easily recognizable by their metallic blue, green, or copper coloration. They’re slightly larger than house flies, typically 6 to 16 millimetres long.
Behaviour: Blow flies are attracted to decaying organic matter, including animal carcasses and rotting food. They’re often the first insects to arrive at a dead animal.
Risks: Like house flies, blow flies can spread disease-causing organisms. Their presence often indicates the presence of decaying matter nearby.
Drain Flies
Also known as moth flies, drain flies are small (1.5 to 5 millimetres) with fuzzy, moth-like wings. They have dark grey bodies and lighter-coloured wings.
Behaviour: Drain flies breed in the organic matter that builds up in drains, sewers, and other moist areas. They’re often found in bathrooms and kitchens.
Risks: While not direct disease carriers, drain flies can be a nuisance and their presence may indicate plumbing or hygiene issues.
Horse Flies
Horse flies are large, aggressive biting flies that can be up to 25 millimetres long. They have large eyes and robust bodies.
Behaviour: Horse flies are more common in rural areas near livestock but can be found in Vancouver’s parks and green spaces. Females require blood meals to reproduce.
Risks: Horse fly bites are painful and can cause allergic reactions in some people. They can also transmit some diseases to animals.
The Dangers of Fly Infestations
While flies may seem like mere nuisances, they can pose significant health and safety risks:
- Disease transmission: Many fly species can carry and spread pathogens that cause serious illnesses.
- Food contamination: When flies land on food, they can transfer bacteria and other microorganisms.
- Property damage: Some fly species, like cluster flies, can stain walls and fabrics when crushed.
- Economic impact: For businesses, especially in the food service industry, fly infestations can lead to failed health inspections and loss of customers.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may experience allergic reactions to fly bites or the presence of fly debris in the air.
Preventing Fly Infestations in Vancouver
As professional bug exterminators, we at All Green Pest Control believe in proactive pest management. Here are some effective strategies to prevent fly infestations:
- Proper sanitation: Regularly clean up food debris, empty garbage bins frequently, and ensure compost bins are sealed.
- Entry point sealing: Install and maintain screens on windows and doors. Seal cracks and crevices around your property.
- Moisture management: Fix leaky pipes and ensure proper drainage to eliminate breeding sites for moisture-loving flies.
- Proper food storage: Store fruits, vegetables, and other perishables in sealed containers or the refrigerator.
- Regular drain cleaning: Clean and maintain drains to prevent the buildup of organic matter that attracts drain flies.
- Natural repellents: Some plants like basil, lavender, and mint may help repel flies naturally.
Professional Fly Control in Vancouver
While prevention is key, sometimes professional intervention is necessary to effectively control a fly infestation. At All Green Pest Control, we offer comprehensive fly control services tailored to Vancouver’s unique environment. Here’s a glimpse of our reliable process:
- Thorough inspection: Our technicians conduct a detailed inspection to identify fly species, breeding sites, and entry points.
- Customized treatment plan: Based on the inspection, we develop a targeted treatment plan using eco-friendly methods.
- Safe and effective products: We use advanced, environmentally responsible products that are safe for humans and pets yet effective against flies.
- Ongoing monitoring: We provide follow-up visits to ensure the fly problem is fully resolved and to prevent future infestations.
- Education and prevention: We offer advice on preventing future fly problems, tailored to your specific situation.
Why Choose All Green Pest Control for Fly Control?
As Vancouver’s highly trusted eco-friendly pest control company, All Green Pest Control offers several advantages:
- Expertise: With 10+ years of experience in Vancouver’s pest control landscape, we understand the local fly species and their behaviours.
- Eco-friendly approach: Our methods prioritize environmental responsibility without compromising effectiveness.
- Comprehensive service: From initial inspection to follow-up monitoring, we provide end-to-end fly control solutions.
- Guaranteed results: We stand behind our services with a satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not 100% satisfied, we’ll return and re-treat at no additional cost.
- Local knowledge: As a Vancouver-based company, we understand the unique pest challenges of the Greater Vancouver Area.
Flies Are Not Only a Nuisance But a Great Health Risk. Eliminate Flies and Pests Today. Call All Green Pest Control!
Flies may be small, but they can cause big problems for Vancouver residents and businesses. Understanding the different types of flies and their behaviours is the first step in effective control. With proper prevention measures and professional assistance when needed, you can keep your home or business fly-free.
All Green Pest Control has been providing safe, effective, and eco-friendly fly control solutions to Vancouver homes for a decade now. If you’re dealing with a fly problem in Vancouver, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our expert team is ready to help you reclaim your space from these pesky invaders.
For professional fly control services in Vancouver, call All Green Pest Control at 604-990-0100. Let us help you create a fly-free environment, the green way!