Fly Facts & Identification
Protect Your Property from flies
Common Flies in East Tennessee
Blow fly
Blow flies in are metallic blue, green, or bronze and range from 6-14 mm in size. They are commonly found around decaying organic matter, including garbage, animal carcasses, and pet waste, where they lay their eggs. While they play an important role in decomposition, they can also pose health risks by spreading bacteria and disease when they come into contact with food or surfaces in homes and businesses. To prevent infestations, keep trash sealed, clean up pet waste promptly, and ensure doors and windows are properly screened.
Drain Fly
Drain flies are small, fuzzy, moth-like insects, usually gray or brown, with a wingspan of about 1.5–5 mm. They thrive in damp environments and are commonly found in sinks, drains, sewage systems, and areas with standing water, where they feed on organic matter and lay their eggs. While they do not bite or spread disease directly, they can indicate plumbing issues and contribute to unsanitary conditions by carrying bacteria from dirty surfaces. To prevent infestations, regularly clean drains, fix leaks, and eliminate moisture buildup in kitchens and bathrooms.
Fruit Fly
Fruit flies are tiny, about 3-4 mm long, with tan or brown bodies and distinctive red eyes. They are commonly found around ripe or rotting fruits, vegetables, sugary spills, and fermenting organic matter in kitchens, trash cans, and drains. While they do not bite, they can contaminate food by spreading bacteria and germs from unsanitary surfaces. To prevent infestations, store produce in sealed containers, clean up spills promptly, take out the trash regularly, and use traps or vinegar solutions to catch any lingering flies.
Gnat
Gnats are tiny, flying insects, usually black or dark brown, measuring about 1-3 mm long. They are commonly found around moist environments, including overwatered houseplants, drains, trash cans, and decaying organic matter. Some species, like fungus gnats, are harmless but can be a nuisance, while others, like biting midges, can cause itchy bites. To prevent gnat infestations, eliminate excess moisture, clean drains, dispose of rotting food, and use traps like vinegar and soap solutions to catch them.
House Fly
House flies are common pests, measuring about 6-7 mm long with gray bodies, red eyes, and transparent wings. They are typically found around garbage, decaying organic matter, pet waste, and food surfaces, especially in warm weather. House flies do not bite, but they pose health risks by spreading bacteria and pathogens from contaminated surfaces to food and kitchen areas. To prevent infestations, keep trash sealed, clean up spills and food waste, install window screens, and use fly traps or insecticides as needed.
Stable Fly
Stable flies are similar in size to house flies, about 5-7 mm long, but have a distinct piercing mouthpart used to feed on blood. They are typically found around livestock areas, barns, compost piles, and decaying vegetation, where they breed in moist organic material. Unlike house flies, stable flies bite humans and animals, causing painful, itchy welts. Their bites can lead to stress in livestock, reducing milk production and weight gain. To prevent infestations, remove decaying organic matter, use fly traps, and consider insecticides or repellents to protect animals and people from bites.
How Do I get Rid Of Flies in My Plants?
Fungus gnats
Flies inside your plants are often fungus gnats, which thrive in moist soil and feed on organic matter and plant roots. To get rid of them, start by reducing excess moisture—allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings, as gnats lay eggs in damp environments. You can also place sticky traps near the plant to catch adult flies and prevent them from reproducing. Additionally, sprinkling a thin layer of sand or diatomaceous earth on the soil surface can help deter larvae from emerging.
For a more targeted approach, introduce natural predators like beneficial nematodes or apply a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution (one part peroxide to four parts water) to kill larvae without harming the plant. Neem oil and insecticidal soap sprays can also be effective against adult gnats. If the infestation persists, repotting the plant with fresh, well-draining soil may be necessary to eliminate any hidden eggs or larvae.
How Do I get Rid Of Flies in My Kitchen?
Fruit flies & House flies
Flies in your kitchen are usually fruit flies or houseflies, both attracted to food scraps, spills, and garbage. To get rid of them, start by eliminating their food sources—clean up crumbs, wipe down surfaces, and store produce in the fridge or sealed containers. Empty the trash regularly and keep drains free of food buildup, as flies often lay eggs in organic matter. Apple cider vinegar traps (a small dish of vinegar with a drop of dish soap) can effectively lure and drown fruit flies, while sticky fly traps or UV light traps can help catch houseflies.
For long-term prevention, ensure windows and doors have properly fitted screens, and take out the trash before it starts to smell. If flies persist, try placing fresh basil, bay leaves, or cloves around your kitchen, as these natural repellents can help deter them. Keeping your kitchen clean and dry is the key to preventing future infestations.
When are flies the most active in east tennessee?
Flies in Knoxville
In East Tennessee, flies are most active from late spring through early fall, typically between April and October, when temperatures range between 70–90°F. The region’s warm, humid summers create ideal conditions for houseflies, fruit flies, and gnats to thrive. Houseflies are especially active during the daytime, with peak activity in the morning and late afternoon, while fruit flies are drawn to ripening produce and food waste at any time of day.
During the colder months, flies become less active, but some species, like cluster flies, seek shelter indoors and may reappear on warm winter days. To minimize fly activity, it’s essential to keep kitchens clean, store food properly, and ensure windows and doors are sealed to prevent entry, especially during the warmer months when flies are at their peak.