Each and every summer, numerous homeowners across the nation notice a drastic and annoying increase in fly activities. It is not at all uncommon for the windowsills to be swarmed with the buzzing annoyances. Outdoor living activities are often interrupted by the persistent flying pests. Indoor spaces are invaded and swatting quickly becomes a full family activity. Flies are pest that live all year round, but the population of these pesky critters explodes when the outdoor temperatures increase.
The surge that occurs during hot weather is not a random situation. It stems from a result of biological-based adaptations from flies, changes within the environment, and various types of behaviors engaged in by humans. By gaining an understanding of these factors, you will immediately gain a thorough briefing on why flies seemingly thrive during the hot months. In this guide, you will learn that plus we will outline some detailed insights into controlling the insects more effectively.
Body Basics of Flies
Flies are considered to be cold-blooded. This is scientifically referred to as “ectothermic”. This is especially common among the basic house fly. The metabolic rate and the temperature of their body is influenced by the environment, and not internally regulated. When temperatures are on the cold side, fly activity slows significantly. This helps flies to conserve their energy and engage in reproduction in a limited manner.
Once temperatures start to reach 75°F and higher, the metabolism of the fly’s body starts to accelerate. In turn, this results in their becoming more energetic. It is at this point where flies start swarming more significantly as they are feeding, mating, and laying eggs. Summer heat; therefore, is a type of biological “on” switch to the insects.
The Life Cyle of Flies
Once outdoor temperatures start to heat up, the effect on flies is heavily pronounced. The flies go through a complete type of metamorphosis. This includes egg, larva or maggot stage, pupa, and finally, the adult stage. Environmental temperatures heavily dictate the duration of each of the stages of metamorphosis. When it is cool outside, these stages take four weeks or more for total completion. In the hot months, it may take as little as 4 days or up to approximately 10 days. The time period is shortened based on the heat and humidity/moisture levels. The following outlines some basics regarding the life cycle of the fly:
- In moderate temperatures, eggs usually hatch within a 24-hour period.
- If the temperature reaches or exceeds 99.9°F, eggs have the potential to hatch in as little as 8 to 12 hours.
- The larval development period shortens from weeks to just a few days.
- Pupation and adult stages emerge more quickly in hot weather.
- During the course of her lifetime, just one female house fly has the capability of laying anywhere from 300 to up to 900 eggs. These are laid in batches of as little as 75 or as much as 150 at a time. Within a short amount of time, fly populations experience exponential growth of their population in the hot months of the year.
- Warm temperatures have been confirmed to shorten the time of the sexual maturity of flies.
Similar Species
In addition to house flies, there are many other types of flies that may grow in populations in hot weather very fast. These include fruit flies (often due to produce ripening or fermenting more quickly in the heat). Blow flies, and other types of flies that are attracted to filth reproduce quickly in warm weather due to organic matter decomposing more quickly. High humidity levels in the hot months support the survival of all fly types because it provides the amount of moisture that they need to hydrate, lay eggs, and the development of larvae. Eggs and the larvae require environments that are damp. According to professionals, dry environments are deadly to all types of flies.
What Makes Hot Weather Ideal for Flies?
Hot weather expands the breeding opportunities of flies. The heat is known to speed up the decomposition process for various types of organic matter. Fruit that has fallen, garbage, waste from pets, manure, food scraps, etc. break down in a fast way. These then release strong odors and attract the flies. The rain and the storms that occur during the summer months create additional moisture. Additionally, human outdoor living activities increase significantly in the summer months – all of which attract a wide assortment of flies.
During the hot months of the year, there is a longer amount of daylight. This gives flies more time to search for food, mate, and spread out. Adults are the most mobile and are known for entering homes through open doors, screens, windows, and even produce that is purchased. In addition to outdoor humidity levels, interior condensation could attract flies. Additionally, food is known to spoil quicker and if it is left on the counters or in open garbage containers, it could result in the development of a breeding spot.
The heat-related factors outlined in this guide compound to create the following:
- Faster Life Cycles
- Higher Reproduction Rates
- Exploited Resources
- Higher Moisture Levels
- More Breeding Location Availability
The behaviors that we engage in – as humans – definitely amplify the issue at hand – in terms of increased fly activities. More time is spent outdoors, doors are opened more frequently, higher levels of food waste, traveling during the summer leaves homes and garbage areas unattended, which attract flies in no time. Urban regions that have higher temperatures are known for large fly swarms.
Flies are definitely a nuisance; however, they also pose health concerns. Flies transmit parasites, bacteria, viruses, and other substances to people. From the breeding sites to the surfaces of food, flies may contribute to illnesses that are foodborne. While they are not as significant in spreading illnesses as mosquitoes in the summer months, they definitely play a large role in spreading pathogens. This is especially true in areas that are very hot – such as subtropical and tropical regions – and populations are left to surge.
Different areas experience different variations. In the tropics and the subtropics, the problems with flies start sooner and last longer. In temperate areas that have a warm spring and a wet summer that is also hot maximizes the effect of flies. Overwintering pupae and adults that have taken shelter start to make themselves known when the temperatures start climbing.
During the hot months of the year, it is important to focus on fly prevention and management. Sanitation should take the highest priority. Empty out and clean your garbage cans on a regular basis. Use lids that fight tightly on the cans. Rinse off those items that you want to recycle. Do not allow any water to stand on or around your property. Pet waste and fruit that has fallen should be eliminated as quickly as possible. If you have any leaks around your home, repair them immediately.
When you store food, make certain it is in sealed containers and that you clean up any spills immediately. Create physical barriers around your home, such as new screens, air curtains, fans at entry points, and in outdoor living areas, place fans that will disrupt the flight patterns of the flies. You may set up biological control mechanisms to control fly populations. Examples include fly traps, fly bait systems, ample sanitation, and professional pest management. This is especially warranted for areas with a large population of flies.
These companies address the root of the problem – the breeding sites on your property. This type of treatment actually yields the absolute best results in terms of long-term care control of fly populations.
To summarize, flies are worse during the hot months of the year. This is because of the fact that the hot temperatures actually supercharge the metabolism and the life cycles of the flies. Humidity is the moisture that is capable of sustaining fly populations. Combine the environmental conditions with resources that are generated by people and you have created the perfect area for fly breeding sites.
By understanding and recognizing these factors, and the interconnected population drivers, you can implement various measures in order to make your home less attractive to flies. Contact us here at All Pest Exterminating today to make an appointment and/or to learn more about the pest control techniques that we use to reduce and completely eliminate fly populations on your property, and/or in your home.
We currently offer a full line of pest control services for all types of pests, home inspections, and pre-inspections. We have served your community for the past several decades. We are locally owned and locally operated. We treat each customer like you are our only customer. We pride ourselves in our customer service. We are currently owned by Phil Earlywine, a gentleman who always strives to give back to his community and specializes in comprehensive pest control prevention, management, and services. You may call us now at the following number: 765-965-2171
