Size, Shape and Colour: This fly is approximately 6-9mm in length, has a grey thorax with 4 dark longitudinal
stripes and a blackish brown abdomen with yellowish brown spots on the sides from the second segment
onwards. The distance between the eyes are wider in the female than the male. The abdomen is slightly
hairy and the larvae are white and pointed.
Biology: The eggs are laid in food stuffs and are 1mm long, often laid in batches of up to 150 at a time.
There can be upto 5 batches of these laid in a lifetime and will hatch within 8-48 hours depending on the
evnironment and temperature. These are just 1mm in length and have just 3 instars in larval development.
The fully grown larvae measure 10-13mm, are yellowish white and glossy. They live in rubbish, manure and
excrement and pupae in a tubby brown puparium. They prefer to pupate in soil and will bury themselves
around 60cm. The pupae is around 5-6mm in length and in about 3-4 weeks the adult fly will hatch.
The flies are generally active from April to November and will live for anything from 25-52 days.
Preferred Foods: Fermenting, moist or rotting matter are preferred, however high protein animal waste and
refuse are also a suitable food source.
Habitat: Food premises are of a desired habitat. Compactors, rubbish storage areas and anywhere where
bad hygiene practices can be exploited.
Control Measures: Challenge Services will be happy to provide practical advice and discuss which method of treatment or product would be most suitable for your premises.
If you require any further information or a quotation simply call us on the freephone number below.
CHALLENGE 24 HOUR PEST CONTROL SERVICES 0800 612 6965