Phorid (Humpbacked) Flies
Phoridae
Phorid fly adults (Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org)
Phorid fly adult (USDA ARS, Wikimedia Commons)
Adult phorid fly (Charles Lewallen, Wikimedia Commons)
Identification
- very small; 1/64 - 1/8 inch long
- steep arch or humped back behind head
- eyes not red
Nesting Habits
- lay eggs on decomposing organic material
- larvae need moist, organic material to survive
- floor drains are a common breeding ground
- trash cans, dumpsters, moist food in floor or kitchen equipment cracks/crevices, soil in potted plants, dirty mopheads and pet cages (on moist feces/food)
- occasionally found near broken pipes under slabs
Diet
- decomposing organic materials
Significance
- nuisance pest indoors
- can spread disease through contact
IPM Recommendations
- Locate breeding susbstrate, if possible, and remove.
- Regularly clean floor drains.
- Keep exterior doors closed, install screen doors, or install an automatic door closer, especially on doors leading into the kitchen.
- Exclude fly entry via caulking, weather stripping, door sweeps, screens, etc.
- Keep dumpsters at least 50 feet from the building.
- Close lids on dumpsters and garbage cans.
- Inspect and clean trash cans, dumpsters and garbage areas.
- Keep food preparation area floors and equipment very clean.