FLY Identification & Prevention

What Are Flies?

Flies are small, winged insects belonging to the order Diptera, which means "two wings." Unlike other insects, flies have one pair of functional wings for flying and a second pair reduced to small structures called halteres that help them balance during flight.

A single house fly can carry over 1 million bacteria on its body!

Why Missouri Gets a lot of Flies:

• Hot, humid summers
• Agriculture and livestock-rich areas
• Rivers, lakes, and wetlands (mosquitoes and biting flies)
• Long growing seasons with plenty of food and breeding spots

Types of Flies in Henry County and Surrounding Areas:

• House Flies – Found around food, garbage, and homes
• Fruit Flies – Attracted to overripe fruits and sugary liquids
• Horse Flies & Deer Flies – Painful biters, often near water or livestock
• Blow Flies – Metallic blue or green, attracted to decaying material
• Drain Flies – Found near sinks, drains, and moist areas

Why Do I Have a Fly Problem?

Flies are attracted to food, moisture, waste, and organic material—all things that are often found around homes, businesses, or outdoor spaces. If you're noticing a fly problem, it likely means they’ve found a food source, breeding area, or entry point nearby.

• Uncovered Trash or Food Waste
  Flies are drawn to garbage cans, compost, or food scraps (especially fruits, meat, and sugary items).
   
• Standing Water or Moisture
  Leaky pipes, clogged drains, wet mops, or plant trays attract drain flies and house flies looking to breed.
   
• Pet Waste or Dead Animals Nearby
  Animal feces or dead rodents, birds, or pests are ideal breeding grounds for blowflies or flesh flies.
   
• Overripe Fruits & Vegetables
  Fruit flies multiply fast if they find ripening or rotting produce on counters or in trash.
   
• Dirty Drains & Grease Buildup
  Drain flies love slimy, damp drainpipes in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
   
• Open Windows/Doors or Damaged Screens
  Flies easily enter through open doors, unscreened windows, or cracks around windows and doors.
   
• Outdoor Attractions
  Animal feed, compost piles, spilled drinks, or uncovered grills attract flies from outside.

Where Will I Find Flies?

In Henry County and Benton County, flies have learned that our properties provide them with the environment they need to complete their life cycle. Flies are very common in Missouri, especially during the spring, summer, and early fall when temperatures rise and humidity increases. Different fly species are attracted to various habitats depending on food sources, breeding grounds, and moisture.

Common Places You'll Find Flies in Missouri
Around Homes & Buildings:

• Garbage cans, compost bins, and recycling areas
• Kitchens, pantries, and food prep areas (fruit flies, house flies)
• Bathrooms and drains (drain flies)
• Windows and screens (flies are attracted to light)
• Pet food bowls and litter boxes

Farms, Barns, and Livestock Areas:

• Manure piles, animal pens, and barns attract house flies, stable flies, and blowflies.
• Feed storage areas and spilled grain or animal feed
• Pastures and fields (horse flies and deer flies)

Outdoors / Natural Areas:

• Standing water, puddles, ponds, or slow-moving streams (mosquitoes and flies breed here)
• Rotting organic matter, dead animals, or animal waste
• Picnic areas, parks, and campgrounds—especially where food or drinks are left out
• Gardens with overripe fruits, vegetables, or compost

How Do I Get Rid of Flies?

Flies are challenging pests to keep out of your Henry County home, business and yard. However, when partnering with Jerry's Pest Control, we'll work with you to control flies and their breeding sites on your property. Our professionals are committed to offering the effective fly control treatments you need to reclaim your space from these pests. To learn more about our fly control services, reach out to Jerry's Pest Management and speak with one of our helpful professionals!

How Can I Prevent Flies in the Future?

In addition to our home pest control and commercial pest control services, protect your property from mosquitoes with the following prevention tips:

• Seal food and garbage tightly
• Clean drains, floors, and counters regularly
• Fix leaks and remove standing water
• Use fly traps, screens, or flypaper
• Check for dead pests or animals nearby

Why Choose Jerry's Pest Management for control of Flies?

• Over 40 years of trusted service in Henry County and surrounding areas.
• Safe, family-friendly treatment options.
• Experienced, professional technicians who care about your comfort and peace of mind.

Let Jerry's Pest Management help you reclaim your space. Call us today to schedule your Fly treatment! Experience the difference that family dedication and decades of experience can make. 

At Jerry's Pest Management, we’re here for you — because protecting your home and business is our family tradition.