Flies

Sciarid (family Sciaridae) are an extremely widespread family of small flies. They are small delicate black flies about 3 mm long with long antennae and legs. The larvae are legless, about 4-5 mm long when fully grown, and have clear segmented bodies and black heads.

Adult huncback flies are small to minute in size with a relatively large thorax, hence the common name of “Hunchback” flies. The hunchback fly larvae are commonly found in large numbers in decomposing organic matter and scavenging in carrion. The flies can be found on premises around pot plants or garden beds.

Adult house flies are commonly found in domestic dwellings and are often seen trying to land on your dinner plate. The larvae can be found in the excrement of animals and also in decomposing organic matter e.g. compost heaps.

Fruit flies (Dacus spp.) are important pests to commercial industries and can cause much economic damage if unchecked. The adults feed on sap, nectar, honeydew and droppings. Vinegar (Fermentation, Bar or Beer) flies may become a nuisance in homes, restaurants, fruit markets, etc., especially when associated with decaying or rotting fruit and vegetables.

Flesh flies (family Sarcophagidae) are 11-13 mm long with a striped thorax, a patterned abdomen with or without a red/brown tip. Although a few flies may be of benefit to nature, more often than not, flies are a nuisance pest affecting human lifestyles. Diseases such as typhoid, cholera, diarrhoea, amoebic dysentery, giardiasis and worms (pin and tape) are spread mechanically by flies.

Adult drain flies are tiny (4-5mm long), fuzzy, dark or greyish insects with the body and wings densely covered with hairs. They have long antennae. Wings, appearing too large for the body, are held roof-like over the body when at rest, giving a moth like appearance. They are weak fliers and make irregular, hesitating flights covering only a metre or so in short, jerky lines.

Blow flies are 11- 13 mm long or larger and vary in colour from black, blue, green and bronze. The adults are strongly attracted to moisture and feed mainly on nectar, honeydew and other sweet liquids. Although they can be found in massive numbers at times, blow flies are not significant domestic nuisances or disease vectors.