Flesh Fly
(Sarcophaga spp.)
Appearance
Flesh flies usually have gray bodies with three black stripes on the thorax. The abdomen has a light and dark gray checkerboard pattern and is often red at the tip. Their eyes are usually red.
Size
Range from 3/8 to 1/2-inch in length.
Behavior
Flesh flies are scavengers. Their preferred breeding areas are decayed flesh, spoiling meat, and manure. Garbage can meat scraps and dog food left outside are possible sources of flesh fly breeding. Flesh flies can breed in dead rodents and birds, and inside attics or wall voids of houses.
Habitat
Flesh flies are extremely common and are attracted to buildings by food odors. The sudden emergence of many flesh flies within a building could mean there is a dead rodent, bird, or other animal in the wall, ceiling, or attic.
Interesting Facts
Maggots from these flies are used by forensic entomologists to establish the time of death in murder cases.
Control
Do you live in South Florida and think that this pest may be invading your home? Hulett Environmental Services offers specialty pest control treatments designed to control and eliminate this pest!
