The Usual Suspects

These are medium-sized flies, ranging from ¼- to 3/8-inch in length. They are shiny and metallic blue, green or copper-colored, depending on the species. Blowflies and bottle flies are very common and can be found virtually everywhere, including in homes and buildings, especially during the warm summer months. Blowflies and bottle flies are scavengers that feed off food, garbage, decaying vegetable matter and dead carcasses. The sudden appearance of dozens of these flies within a building may signal the presence of a dead rodent, bird or other animal in the wall, ceiling, attic or elsewhere. Blow flies and bottle flies breed in garbage containers, dumpsters and in feces, and are part of the decomposition process that recycles nutrients back into the soil.

Tips for control of blowflies and bottle flies:
· Dispose of trash, including vegetative matter and pet manure, in trash cans in plastic bags.
· Locate trash receptacles away from buildings.
· Keep doors and windows closed as much as possible. Install tight-fitting screens to prevent flies from entering.
· Install tight weather stripping around the edges of doors and windows.
· If the presence of flies is due to a dead animal within the building, it is essential to locate and remove the carcass.