If you’ve ever been outside and noticed an irritating number of red flies flying around your head, you’re not alone. Red flies can be a major nuisance, but with a few simple tips, you can get rid of them and enjoy your yard again.
Keep reading for 10 fly control methods to rid your house of red flies, dark eyed fruit flies, fungus gnats, drain flies and other house flies !
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What Are Red Flies?
Red flies or flesh flies are a type of small, bloodsucking fly. They are often found near livestock, such as cattle, sheep, and chickens. Their constant biting can cause irritation and discomfort to both animals and humans.
In severe cases, it can lead to anemia, weight loss, and even death. Red flies are found throughout the world, including in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. In order to control these pests, various methods have been employed, such as the use of traps and insecticides.
What Do They Look Like?
Red flies get their name from their reddish brown coloration. These flies are relatively small like a regular house fly, with adults averaging about 5 mm in length. They have a wingspan of 7-10 mm. Red flies have piercing-sucking mouthparts that they use to feed on the blood of their host animals.
How Fast Do They Multiply?
How fast do they multiply? Well, it depends on the species. For example, a red eyed fruit fly can produce up to 3,000 offspring in just one month of their life cycle. And a single pair of termites can create a colony of over a million individuals in just three years.
So, when it comes to multiplying, some species can certainly do it quickly. But what about humans? On average, couples have about two children. So, it would take approximately 25 years for a single couple to produce a colony of one million people.
Of course, this number can be much higher if multiple couples are involved. In any case, it’s amazing to think about how quickly some creatures can multiply. And it reminds us that, when it comes to population growth, we’re not exactly the champions of the animal kingdom.
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Do Red Fruit Flies Bite?
Some people might be surprised to learn that red fruit flies are not actually true flies. They are more closely related to wasps and bees. Despite their name, they are not particularly attracted to fruit. In fact, they feed on a variety of things like other insects, nectar, and pollen.
They do not bite humans or animals, but they can give a fairly nasty sting if they feel threatened. While they are not considered to be a serious pest, they can be quite a nuisance if they find their way into your home.
If you have a red fruit fly problem, the best way to get rid of them is to remove whatever is attracting them to your property. This could be anything from overripe fruit to standing water. Once you have removed the attractant, the fruit flies will likely move on.
Are Red Eyed Fruit Flies Harmful?
Have you ever been bitten by a red fly? If you have, then you know how painful it can be. But are red flies/flesh flies dangerous?
Generally speaking, red flies are not considered to be harmful to humans. However, they can certainly cause irritation and pain when they bite. In some cases, people may experience an allergic reaction to the bite, which can lead to swelling and itching.
In rare instances, red flies have been known to transmit diseases such as Rickettsia rickettsii (the bacterial agent that causes Rocky Mountain spotted fever) and Francisella tularensis (a type of bacteria that causes tularemia).
So while red flies may not be particularly dangerous, it’s probably best to avoid them if possible. If you do get bitten, be sure to clean the wound thoroughly and watch for any signs of infection.
Do take steps to avoid being bitten in the first place by wearing long sleeves and pants when you’re outdoors, and using insect repellent if necessary.
Why Do You Need To Eliminate Red Flies?
Like any other pest, we also need to get rid of red flies for a couple of reasons. For one, they can be quite a nuisance. They’re attracted to food and waste, which means they can quickly become a bother in the kitchen or bathroom.
They Bite:
As we mentioned before, red flies can bite. And while their bites are not usually dangerous, they can be quite painful and irritating. Some people have sensitive skin, so insect bites can actually be a bad thing for them.
Spread Bacteria and Diseases
In some rare instances, red flies have been known to transmit dangerous diseases. So if the problem is serious enough, red flies can actually pose a hazard to human health.
Greater Health Risks
Lastly, red flies often live and breed in dirty environments where they come into contact with parasites, bacteria, and other harmful microorganisms. So even if they don’t transmit diseases directly, their presence can still lead to greater health risks.
Unsightly To The Eyes
Finally, red flies can be quite an eyesore. For most people, red flying insects are a definite turnoff. If you have red flies in your house or yard, you’ll want to take steps to remove them as quickly as possible.
How Do I Get Rid Of Red Flies?
If you’re noticing a lot of flies around your property, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them. Doing these steps can help gradually minimize their population.
Keep The Areas Of Your House Clean
Red flies are attracted to food and waste. So the first step in getting rid of them is to keep your house clean. This means regularly cleaning your kitchen and bathroom, as well as any other areas where food is prepared or eaten.
Wash all dishes immediately after use and don’t let dirty laundry pile up. If you keep your house clean, red flies won’t have an easy place to breed and repopulate.
Replace Old Sponges, Mops, and Dishrags
If you’re using old sponges, mops, or dishrags, now is the time to replace them. These items can harbor bacteria and dirt, which red flies are attracted to.
So by replacing them with new ones, you’ll make your house less appealing to red flies. You should also consider using paper towels instead of dishrags or sponges.
Get Rid Of Rotten Food
Another way to get rid of red flies is to get rid of anything that might be attracting them to your property in the first place. This means getting rid of any decaying fruit, decaying organic matter, or garbage that’s lying around.
Keep Trash Bins Sealed
First, make sure to keep your trash cans clean and sealed tight – flies are attracted to food waste. If you have pet food outside, bring it in after your pet has eaten. And don’t forget to clean up any spills immediately.
Fix Leaks and Remove Standing Water
Next, red flies are attracted to water. So if you have any leaks or standing water on your property, fix them as soon as possible. If you have a swimming pool, be sure to keep it clean and free of algae, as red flies may breed there.
Cover Your Food
Another way to get rid of red flies is to cover your food. If you have food out on the counter or table, make sure it’s covered with a lid or other protective covering. This will help reduce the chances of them landing on your food and contaminating it.
Utilize Fly Traps
Try using a fly trap – these can be effective in getting rid of adult flies. You can also use a fly swatter. If you follow these tips, you should start to see a decrease in the number of red flies around your home.
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Chemical Pest Repellents
If you want to get rid of red flies quickly, you can always resort to using chemical pest repellents. There are a number of different products on the market that will kill the flies on contact.
These products usually come in the form of sprays or aerosol cans, and they can be quite effective in getting rid of these pests. Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully and use them in a well-ventilated area.
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Natural Pest Repellents
Alternatively, you may want to try using natural pest repellents instead. There are a number of DIY remedies that can effectively get rid of them without the use of harmful chemicals or toxic pesticides.
Some examples include essential oils (like peppermint or eucalyptus), citrus fruit peels, garlic, apple cider vinegar, and red chili pepper. Simply place these ingredients in areas frequented by these flies and you should start to see a decrease in their numbers.
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- REPELS MOSQUITOES FOR UP TO 6 HOURS: This repellent keeps you and your family protected for hours, so the fun doesn't have to end.
- REFRESHING SCENT: This DEET-free personal repellent leaves you with a cool, refreshing scent so you don't have to put up with the usual bug spray...
Call A Professional
Lastly, if red flies continue to be a problem for you despite your best efforts, it may be time to call in a professional pest control company. These professionals have access to more powerful tools and stronger pesticides that can get rid of them for good.
Whatever method you choose, remember that they can pose a serious health hazard if left unchecked. So be sure to take steps to get rid of them as soon as possible in order to protect your family from potential harm.
Do Bug Zappers Work On Red Flies?
If you’re looking for an easy and effective way to get rid of red flies, you may be wondering if bug zappers work. Bug zappers are devices that use electricity to kill insects that come into contact with them.
While they can be quite effective in getting rid of flying insects like mosquitoes, they’re not as effective against these flies. This is because they are attracted to the light emitted by bug zappers, which causes them to fly towards the device instead of away from it.
So while bug zappers may help reduce their numbers in your area, they’re not likely to completely get rid of them. If you’re looking for an effective red fly repellent, your best bet is to try one of the methods listed above.
