Flies

Flies are a common pest in Michigan homes and businesses. While occasional flies can enter from outdoors, repeated or heavy fly activity often indicates an underlying source inside the structure. Effective fly control depends on identifying the species involved and locating any breeding or attraction sources.

House Flies

Overview
House flies are the most commonly encountered fly species in Michigan homes.

Behavior
They are attracted to food waste, garbage, and organic material. House flies enter through doors, windows, and small openings and are most active during warmer months.

How to Identify Them
House flies are medium-sized with gray bodies, dark stripes on the thorax, and clear wings. They are commonly seen resting on walls, windows, and food-prep surfaces.

Why They’re a Pest
House flies can spread bacteria by contaminating surfaces and food. Repeated sightings often indicate sanitation issues or easy access points.

Cluster Flies

Overview
Cluster flies are a seasonal nuisance pest commonly encountered in Michigan.

Behavior
They live outdoors most of the year but enter homes in fall to overwinter inside wall voids and attics. They often appear on warm winter days.

How to Identify Them
Cluster flies resemble house flies but are larger, darker, and slower-moving. They are commonly found near windows and upper levels of the home.

Why They’re a Pest
They do not reproduce indoors but can appear in large numbers and become a persistent nuisance throughout winter.

Blow Flies

Overview
Blow flies are often associated with strong odors and interior breeding sources.

Behavior
They are attracted to decaying organic material such as dead animals, garbage, or spoiled food. Blow flies frequently breed indoors when a suitable source is present.

How to Identify Them
Blow flies are larger than house flies and often metallic green or blue in color.

Why They’re a Pest
The presence of blow flies indoors often indicates a hidden source, such as a dead rodent or decaying organic material, that must be located and removed to resolve the issue.

Fruit Flies

Overview
Fruit flies are small flies commonly found in kitchens and food-prep areas.

Behavior
They breed rapidly in fermenting organic material such as overripe fruit, drains, and trash receptacles.

How to Identify Them
Fruit flies are very small, tan or light brown, with red or dark eyes and short flight patterns.

Why They’re a Pest
Fruit flies multiply quickly, and ongoing activity almost always indicates an interior breeding source that must be addressed for control to be effective.

Drain Flies

Overview
Drain flies are a common indoor fly associated with plumbing and moisture.

Behavior
They breed in organic buildup inside drains, sump pits, and floor drains.

How to Identify Them
Drain flies are small with fuzzy wings and a moth-like appearance. They are commonly found resting near sinks, tubs, and drains.

Why They’re a Pest
Their presence indicates organic buildup inside plumbing systems. Spraying alone will not solve the issue without cleaning and treating the breeding site.

When Flies Indicate an Interior Source

Overview
Not all fly problems come from outdoors.

Behavior
Certain fly species reproduce indoors when suitable breeding material is present.

How to Recognize a Source Issue
Signs of an interior source include:

• Large numbers of flies appearing suddenly

• Repeated activity in the same area

• Small flies around drains or food areas

• Metallic-colored flies indoors

Why Source Control Matters
Without locating and eliminating the breeding source, fly problems will continue regardless of treatment. Identifying and addressing the source is the key to long-term control.

Dealing With a Fly Problem?

If flies are becoming a recurring issue, there is often more going on than meets the eye. Use the contact form and we’ll help identify the species, locate potential sources, and recommend the most effective solution.