Lesser House Flies

Identification

• similar in appearance to the house fly, but 2/3 the size (~3/16 inch)
• 3 black stripes are visible on the back; the first two and a half abdominal segments are translucent yellow
• larvae are whitish brown and covered in long protrusions on the back of the body

Nesting Habits

• breed in animal feces, decaying organic material and trash receptacles
• males gather in large numbers and hover in areas with still air that are protected from sunlight

Diet

• larvae feed on animal feces and decaying organic material

Significance

• flies hover around structures in large numbers and can come indoors creating a nuisance
• rarely land on food; not considered a disease vector

IPM Recommendations

• Locate breeding substrate and remove or alter.
• Keep exterior doors closed, install screen doors, or install an automatic door closer.
• Keep screens in good repair.
• Improve sanitation around the structure, if possible.
• Keep dumpsters and trash receptacles at least 50 feet from structures.
• Keep trash receptacles and areas clean.
• Close lids on trash receptacles.
• Exclude fly entry via caulking, weather stripping, door sweeps, etc.
• Properly place light traps to catch flies that come indoors.
• Use a fly swatter.