Phorid flies are a type of small fly that are known to infest homes. Like other small flies, phorid flies are often found in kitchens and bathrooms. Once they get established, it can be difficult to get them to leave. We’ve gathered information about phorid flies to help you identify and eliminate an infestation.
What Do Phorid Flies Look Like?
Phorid flies are often mistaken for fruit flies, but there are ways to tell them apart. These flies can be brown, black, or yellow. They grow to about 1/8" in length. Phorid flies have short antennae and hair on their head. They are sometimes referred to as humpback flies because of the hump on their thorax. These flies move in jerky, erratic movements, typically running across surfaces rather than flying. This habit has earned them the nickname of scuttle flies. Phorid fly larvae are white or gray with a wormlike appearance.
What Causes Phorid Flies?
Phorid flies are attracted to environments with moisture, food sources, and breeding sites. The presence of organic build-up and decaying matter can cause phorid flies to show up in your home. Kitchens and bathrooms are the most commonly infested areas in houses. They are often spotted near drains and plumbing fixtures, trash bins, rotting produce, and dirty mops and buckets. Outside, they can be found near decaying plant material, compost bins, pet droppings, and water sources.
Are Phorid Flies Harmful?
These flies are usually considered more of a nuisance than a threat. Phorid flies don’t bite humans or animals. Problems occur with the size of infestations. These flies can multiply quickly, which can lead to large infestations. Phorid flies can contaminate food and food prep surfaces too because they hang out on decaying matter and other unsanitary locations.
How to Prevent Phorid Flies
Implementing preventative measures can help to prevent a pest problem. Check out a few tips to help keep phorid flies out of your home.
- Seal Entry Points: Sealing potential entry points will help to prevent a phorid fly infestation. Check for holes, cracks, or gaps where pests could enter your home and seal them. If your screens have tears, you’ll want to repair or replace them. Worn seals around doors and windows should be addressed as well.
- Minimize Moisture: Phorid flies breed in damp environments, which is why it’s important to minimize moisture build-up in your house. Make sure your drains are working properly. Fix any leaking pipes, dripping faucets, and other damaged plumbing fixtures.
- Keep Your House Clean: Keeping your home clean can help to remove attractants. Clean up crumbs and spills, and wipe down surfaces to remove sticky residues. Clean your drains and remove food particles from your sink. Take out your trash regularly, and keep the area neat.
- Keep Your Yard Clean: It’s important to minimize attractants in your yard too. Keep your yard free of trash, and remove any rotting produce. Clean up after your pets regularly. Remove yard debris including leaves and grass clippings. Work to reduce moisture build-up by fixing leaking spigots, emptying items collecting water, and avoiding overwatering your plants.
How to Get Rid of Phorid Flies
If phorid flies have infested your space, it’s important to take steps to get rid of them. Check out how you can kick these flies out of your house.
- Eliminate Their Breeding Site: The first step to getting rid of phorid flies is identifying their breeding site. If you can find this spot, you’ll know what is causing the infestation. Work to remove the attractant and eliminate the breeding site.
- Use Pest Control Products: Pest control products can help to control an infestation. Our Drain & Fruit Fly Killer can be used in drains to kill phorid flies. Apply it around the edges of the drain, allowing the thickened formula to coat the sides of the drain. You can also put a standard sprayer top on the bottle to treat areas that attract flies, including trash bins.
Sharing your space with phorid flies can be frustrating. Thankfully, there are things you can do to prevent and control an infestation. If you’re dealing with phorid flies or other pests, we’re here to help! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products for a more environmentally and family-friendly solution when used as directed.