What are Houseflies?

Houseflies are one of the most common flying pests found around homes and businesses. These insects are usually gray with four dark stripes on their thorax and measure about 6 to 7 millimeters in length. Known for their rapid reproduction, a single female can lay hundreds of eggs that quickly develop into adult flies. Houseflies are not just a nuisance; they are also capable of spreading bacteria and other pathogens as they move between food, garbage, and unsanitary surfaces.

Signs of Housefly Infestation

• Frequent buzzing or swarming flies indoors
• Flies gathering near windows, doors, or light fixtures
• Small dark spots of fly feces on walls, counters, or ceilings
• Maggots found in garbage bins, compost, or decaying organic matter
• Increased activity around food preparation areas

Why They are a Problem

Houseflies are more than an annoyance. They can contaminate food and surfaces by carrying bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli. Because they feed on and breed in decaying matter, garbage, and animal waste, every landing spot becomes a potential source of contamination. In commercial settings like restaurants, food processing facilities, and grocery stores, even a small infestation can lead to health code violations, customer complaints, and financial losses.

Where Do They Come From?

Houseflies are drawn to places where food and organic matter are available. Common sources and entry points include:

• Open garbage bins or recycling containers
• Pet waste left outdoors
• Compost piles or decaying vegetation
• Open windows and doors without screens
• Cracks or gaps around entryways

Because they can travel from outdoors into homes and businesses with ease, controlling their breeding sites is the first step toward prevention.

How to Get Rid of Houseflies at Home

If you are wondering how to get rid of houseflies, here are some practical steps you can take:

• Keep garbage sealed and dispose of waste frequently
• Clean up spills and food crumbs right away
• Use tightly fitting screens on doors and windows
• Rinse food and drink containers before placing them in recycling
• Eliminate standing water where flies may breed
• Use DIY traps, such as a bowl filled with apple cider vinegar and dish soap, to capture flies indoors

These measures can help reduce fly populations temporarily, but a large infestation may require professional intervention to locate and eliminate breeding areas.

Houseflies vs Cluster Flies

Houseflies and cluster flies are often confused, but they have key differences:

• Houseflies are gray with clear stripes, while cluster flies are darker and slower moving with golden hairs on their thorax
• Houseflies breed in decaying organic material, while cluster flies breed outdoors in soil
• Houseflies are active around food and garbage, while cluster flies usually gather around windows and walls during colder months

Correctly identifying the type of fly ensures the right treatment approach.

How We Can Help

At Go Away Pest & Wildlife Control, we understand how disruptive and unsanitary a housefly infestation can be. Our team identifies breeding sources, applies targeted treatments, and sets up preventative measures to keep flies out of your home or business. We use safe and effective methods designed for long-term results, giving you peace of mind and a cleaner, healthier environment.