Description:

Usually identified by 4 dark stripes on top of the thorax.

Damage / Signs of Presence:

Flies are directly responsible for disease transmission. They can transmit and carry foot-and-mouth disease, mastitis, pinkeye, streptococci, tuberculosis, and staphylococci.

Flies cause milk contamination documented milk production losses.
Flies cause animal stress and suffering. They are responsible for weight gain with cattle.
Flies cause extra labor and work keeping parlor ceilings, pipelines, etc. clean.
Flies can cause problems with regulatory issues.

Habitat:

Prefer decaying organic matter which is most numerous around farms with animals.

Life Cycle:

Complete Metamorphosis Egg, Larva, Pupa and Adult. The newly hatched female can begin to lay eggs within a few days, ranging from 5 to 6 batches of 75 to 100 eggs in each batch. Weather conditions play a part in the time length of their development. During the summer, it takes 7 to 10 days for developing into an adult.

Management:

Sanitation is key for reducing the population. Aerosols, fogging, baits, light traps or residual treatments may be effective.

HOUSE FLIES

Musca Domestica