Common Fly Species

• About 1/4 inch long; dark dull gray, pale abdomen, 4 dark stripes down thorax (Chest).
  
• Breed in warm organic material - garbage, lawn clippings, decaying vegetables, manure, etc.
  
• Most common household fly pest.
  
• Short 8-day lifespan, with 10-12 generations per season.
  

Little House Flies

• Similar in color and markings to house fly, but much smaller in size.
• Breed on decaying vegetables, animal excrement.
• Attracted to air-conditioned buildings on hot days.
• Adult males fly in erratic zigzag manner, seldom stopping.
• Second most common fly pest.
• Live 24-29 days.

Cluster Flies "Attic Flies"

• About 5/16" long; dark dull gray with crinkled yellow hairs.
• Crawl into homes in late summer, dormant in attics, wall voids, under insulation in winter.  Crawl out in spring.
• Largest, darkest of common pest fly species.
• Sluggish and slow with irritating buzz. 
• 27-39 day life-span.
  

Fruit Flies "Vinegar Flies"

• Tiny fly, 1/8" long; brownish black to brownish yellow with red eyes.
• Lay eggs and hover around ripe or overripe fruits and vegetables as well as damp mops, rags, drains, etc.
• Primarily active in late summer, early fall.
• Short 7-8 day life-span.
  

Stable Flies

• Similar to house fly in size and color, but have long bayonet-shaped mouths.
• Breed in green vegetation (e.g. cut grass), animal manure, seaweed.  Can travel many miles from breeding sites.
• Bloodsucking fly with fierce, painful bite.
• Bite humans, pets and agricultural animals.