A Quick Lowdown on Flies in Australia

Everybody knows that flies are one of the most common and persistent flying pests in Australia.

Despite the fact there are over 6,400 of identified species of flies in Australia, only a small handful are considered a genuine pest.

Flies are most infamous for their disruptive nature. Virtually everyone can relate to swatting flies away from their face – especially during the warmer months where they are most active.

Aside from being a nuisance, flies also pose a health hazard as they transmit a range of diseases to humans and animals – such as typhoid and cholera through to conjunctivitis.

For these reasons, if you notice a growing and ongoing presence of flies, contact All Bugs for free advice and a quote to eliminate your fly problem.

Common Types of Flies in Australia

Different species of flies have their own unique appearance, lifecycle, habits, and behaviour patterns. They are also attracted to different locations, climates, and a variety of organic matter.

Knowing how to spot these traits can help you identify the early warning signs of an infestation – and help you decide whether you require the services of a licensed pest controller.

The most common flies you are most likely to encounter in Australia are:

• Blow flies
• Bush flies
• Drain flies
• Flesh flies
• Fruit flies
• House flies
• Fermentation flies

What separates Flies from other Flying insects?

Despite their differences, each species of fly shares a number of universal traits.

This is because all flies are a member of the same order of insects known as Dipteran. The term dipteran refers to any flying insect that has two wings and has a relatively small, soft body.

For this reason, other flying insects such as butterflies and dragonflies are not part of the dipteran order.

Why?

Because these insects have more than two sets of wings. They also have other distinct features that fall outside the dipteran order. For instance, butterflies and moths are considered part of the Lepidopteraorder due to the presence of scales on their body.

With that being said, here are a few characteristics that are unique to flies:

• One pair of wings – Other flying insects have more than one pair of wings
• Halteres– Instead of hind wings, flies have small club shaped organs called halteres, which helps flies remain stable mid-flight.
• Mouthparts designed to pierce and suck on the skin– Which allows the fly to maintain a steady liquid diet.
• Two large compound eyes– Consisting of thousands of tiny independent photoreception units. This gives the fly both a large viewing angle and the ability to swiftly detect and respond to fast movement. This is why it’s so hard to catch a fly, as their eyes help them to react to sudden movement much faster than other animals.

Signs of a Fly Infestation

The odd fly here and there is usually nothing to worry about. But if you notice a large and ongoing presence of flies then you may have a problem – especially if you operate a food handling business.

Some of the most common signs of a fly infestation include:

• You regularly see flies in your home or business – Particularly near waste areas or sewerage drains
• You discover a nest of maggots– This indicates the presence of flies in their breeding state. Naturally, maggots in large numbers will eventually become a swarm of adult flies.
• You have flies near exposed sources of food or organic waste– If left to be near food sources, they could contaminate the food and cause your family, staff, or customers to get sick.

If you discover any of the above signs of an infestation, get in touch with a pest controller for expert advice and treatment to eliminate the problem.

Got a fly problem in your home or business?Contact All Bugs today for advice and a free quote to resolve your fly problem – and prevent future infestations.

Call (07) 3324 0111 Send an enquiry