There are few things more irritating than the persistent buzz of a house fly darting around your kitchen. As we enjoy the last, warm days of summer here in Novato, you’ve likely noticed an increase in these unwelcome aerial acrobats. They seem to appear out of nowhere, determined to land on your food and drive you to distraction.
A fly problem is more than just a minor annoyance; it’s a matter of hygiene. At North Point Pest Solutions, we want to explain why flies are flocking to your home this time of year and provide you with actionable steps to keep them out.
Understanding the Fly Lifecycle
The house fly’s lifecycle is famously fast, and it’s supercharged by the heat of late summer. In ideal warm conditions, a fly can go from a microscopic egg to a buzzing adult in as little as seven to ten days. A single female fly can lay hundreds of eggs in her short lifetime, which is why a small problem can quickly become an overwhelming one.
Flies are attracted to and lay their eggs in decaying organic matter. The most common sources around a home include:
- Garbage cans that aren’t sealed properly.
- Pet waste in the yard.
- Decomposing lawn clippings or compost piles.
- Spilled food or liquids, even in tiny amounts.
Not-So-Harmless Houseguests
The biggest issue with house flies is their unsanitary habits. A fly’s journey is far from clean. It lands on and feeds on filth like garbage, animal feces, and decaying materials, picking up a host of bacteria and pathogens on its legs and mouthparts.
When that same fly lands on your kitchen counter, your dinner plate, or directly on your food, it can transmit those germs, including bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and the pathogens that cause food poisoning.
Your Action Plan for a Fly-Free Home
The key to controlling house flies is to make your home as uninviting as possible by eliminating their food sources and breeding sites.
- Sanitation is Your Best Weapon:
- Kitchen: Immediately wipe up all crumbs and spills. Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink. Keep food covered when left on the counter.
- Garbage: Use trash cans with tight-fitting lids both inside and outside your home. Clean your bins regularly to remove any residue.
- Pet Waste: Pick up pet waste from your yard daily. This is one of the biggest breeding sources for flies.
- Exclusion: Keep Them Out:
- Screens are Essential: Ensure that all your window and door screens are in good repair, with no rips, tears, or gaps.
- Keep Doors Closed: Flies are opportunistic. Try not to leave doors propped open for extended periods.
- Yard Maintenance:
- Keep your lawn mowed and manage your compost pile to reduce decaying organic matter where flies can lay eggs.
When to Call the Professionals
If you’ve taken all the preventative steps but are still dealing with a large number of flies, it could indicate a hidden, significant breeding source on or near your property that you can’t locate.
Fly traps and swatters can help with a few stragglers, but they won’t solve an established problem. The experts at North Point Pest Solutions can help identify and eliminate the source of the infestation. We can also provide professional treatments, such as exterior applications and baiting systems, to reduce the overall fly population around your property and give you long-term relief.
Don’t spend the rest of your summer battling the buzz. Take control of your home and enjoy a more peaceful, hygienic environment.
Overwhelmed by flies? Contact North Point Pest Solutions today for a comprehensive inspection and an effective fly control strategy.
About North Point Pest Solutions:
North Point Pest Solutions is a leading provider of comprehensive pest control services in Novato and the surrounding areas. We are dedicated to providing our customers with effective, environmentally responsible solutions to their pest problems. Our team of experienced and certified technicians is committed to delivering exceptional service and lasting results.
