What Types of Flies Are in Lexington KY?
Flies in Lexington KY are common pests and can quickly become a nuisance in homes and businesses. Some fly species pose health risks by spreading bacteria, while others are simply a persistent annoyance. Understanding the different types of flies in Lexington can help with proper identification and control strategies.
1. House Flies (Musca domestica)
- Size: 1/8 to 1/4 inch long
- Color: Gray with four dark stripes on the thorax
- Behavior: House flies are drawn to decaying organic matter and garbage. They breed in trash bins, compost piles, and animal waste. House flies are known to spread diseases by contaminating food and surfaces with bacteria picked up from unsanitary areas.
2. Fruit Flies (Drosophila spp.)
- Size: About 1/8 inch long
- Color: Tan or brown with red eyes
- Behavior: Fruit flies are attracted to fermenting fruit, sugary liquids, and moist organic material. They lay eggs in overripe produce, drains, and even damp mop heads.
3. Drain Flies (Psychodidae)
- Size: About 1/8 inch long
- Color: Fuzzy, moth-like appearance with dark gray or brown wings
- Behavior: Also called moth flies, these pests breed in the organic sludge that builds up in drains, septic tanks, and sewage areas. Their presence often indicates a plumbing issue. In Lexington, KY & surrounding areas, we have often found drain flies in & around basement sump pumps due to the organic matter that grows around these wet areas.
4. Phorid Flies (Phoridae)
- Size: 1/16 to 1/8 inch long
- Color: Yellowish-brown or black with a humpbacked appearance
- Behavior: These flies breed in decaying organic material, particularly in drains, trash, and areas with moisture issues. They are often mistaken for fruit flies but have a distinctive jerky running motion.
5. Blow Flies (Calliphoridae)
- Size: 1/4 to 1/2 inch long
- Color: Metallic blue, green, or bronze
- Behavior: Blow flies are attracted to decomposing meat, animal carcasses, and garbage. Their presence is often a sign of dead rodents or other pests indoors.
6. Cluster Flies (Pollenia spp.)
- Size: 1/4 to 3/8 inch long
- Color: Dark gray with golden hairs on their thorax
- Behavior: Cluster flies are often mistaken for house flies but are sluggish in movement. These flies enter Lexington, KY homes in the fall, seeking warmth to overwinter in attics, wall voids, and basements. During warmer days in winter and early spring, they may emerge indoors, clustering near windows.
7. Fungus Gnats (Sciaridae)
- Size: 1/16 to 1/8 inch long
- Color: Dark brown or black with long legs
- Behavior: Fungus gnats are small flies that thrive in moist environments, particularly in overwatered houseplants, potting soil, and damp organic matter. While they do not bite, their presence can be a nuisance in homes and greenhouses. We have previously shared a full guide for how to get rid of fungus gnats.
How to Get Rid of Flies in Lexington KY
1. Identify and Remove Attractants
- Dispose of overripe fruit and rotting food promptly.
- Keep garbage cans sealed and dispose of trash regularly.
- Clean up pet waste from yards and litter boxes.
2. Eliminate Breeding Sites
- Flush out sink and floor drains with enzymatic cleaners to remove organic buildup.
- Store produce in the refrigerator instead of on countertops.
- Regularly clean garbage disposals (particularly under the rubber splash guard), mop heads, and wet rags to prevent fly infestations.
3. Prevent Future Infestations
- Install tight-fitting window and door screens to keep flies out.
- Use UV light traps or sticky traps to monitor fly activity.
- Work with a professional fly control service in Lexington to address recurring infestations.
FAQ: Common Questions About Flies in Lexington KY
Q: Why do I suddenly have so many fruit flies?
A: Fruit flies reproduce quickly, and even a small food source like spilled juice or overripe produce can lead to a sudden infestation.
Q: How do I stop drain flies from coming back?
A: Regularly clean drains with an enzymatic cleaner to break down organic matter where drain flies breed.
Q: Can flies make me sick?
A: Yes, house flies and blow flies can spread bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella by contaminating food and surfaces.
Professional Fly Control in Lexington KY
Persistent fly infestations require professional treatment. At Berner Pest Solutions, we offer targeted fly control in Lexington to eliminate breeding sources and keep your home or business fly-free.
➡ Struggling with flies? Contact Berner Pest Solutions for a free inspection today!