Missouri’s central location and varied terrain mean residents encounter flies from both northern and southern regions. Understanding the different types of flies in Missouri helps you manage them effectively around your home, garden, and livestock. This guide covers the most common species you’ll find in the Show-Me State.
Types Of Flies In Missouri
Missouri is home to dozens of fly species, but only a handful regularly cause problems for people and animals. Some are just nuisances, while others can spread disease or damage crops. Knowing which ones you’re dealing with makes control much easier.
House Flies
House flies are the most common fly you’ll see indoors. They’re gray with four dark stripes on their thorax. These flies breed in decaying organic matter like garbage, pet waste, and compost piles.
House flies don’t bite, but they can contaminate food by landing on it. They carry bacteria from the nasty places they breed. Keep your kitchen clean and take out trash regularly to reduce them.
Blow Flies And Bottle Flies
Blow flies are metallic blue or green, often called bottle flies. They’re larger than house flies and make a loud buzzing sound. These flies are attracted to dead animals, meat, and garbage.
If you find blow flies inside, check for a dead rodent in the walls or attic. They can also breed in pet food bowls left out too long. Remove any carrion sources quickly to break their life cycle.
Fruit Flies
Fruit flies are tiny, about 1/8 inch long, with red eyes and a tan body. They appear suddenly around overripe fruit, spilled juice, or fermenting vegetables. You’ll often see them hovering near your kitchen sink or trash can.
These flies breed in moist areas with organic film. Clean drains with baking soda and vinegar to eliminate breeding sites. Store fruit in the refrigerator to prevent infestations.
Drain Flies
Drain flies look like tiny moths, with fuzzy wings and a dark body. They’re about 1/8 inch long and often gather around sinks, showers, and floor drains. Their larvae live in the slimy biofilm inside pipes.
To get rid of drain flies, scrub drains with a stiff brush and use an enzyme cleaner. Pour boiling water down drains weekly to kill larvae. Fix any leaks that keep pipes damp.
Horse Flies And Deer Flies
Horse flies and deer flies are large, aggressive biters. Horse flies are dark with clear or patterned wings, while deer flies have patterned wings and yellow markings. Both are most active during summer months near water sources.
These flies bite livestock, pets, and people. Their bites are painful and can cause allergic reactions. Wear light-colored clothing and use insect repellent containing DEET to deter them. Keep fans running on porches to create wind they can’t fly through.
Stable Flies
Stable flies look similar to house flies but have a distinct bayonet-like mouthpart for biting. They usually bite legs and ankles. You’ll find them around barns, stables, and livestock areas.
These flies breed in wet hay, straw, or manure mixed with bedding. Clean stalls regularly and remove wet bedding to control them. Use fly traps designed for stable flies near animal enclosures.
Cluster Flies
Cluster flies are larger than house flies and have a slow, sluggish movement. They’re dark gray with golden hairs on their thorax. These flies enter homes in fall to overwinter in attics and wall voids.
On warm winter days, cluster flies become active and gather around windows. They don’t breed indoors, so they’re mostly a nuisance. Seal cracks around windows, doors, and siding to keep them out.
Face Flies
Face flies are similar to house flies but slightly larger and darker. They gather around the eyes and mouths of cattle and horses. These flies feed on tears, saliva, and nasal secretions.
Face flies can spread pink eye in cattle herds. Use ear tags with insecticide or apply pour-on treatments to protect livestock. Keep pastures clean and rotate grazing areas to reduce populations.
Flesh Flies
Flesh flies are medium-sized with three dark stripes on their thorax and a checkerboard pattern on their abdomen. They’re often seen near garbage, dead animals, or pet waste. Unlike house flies, flesh flies give birth to live larvae instead of laying eggs.
These flies are attracted to decaying meat and can indicate a dead animal nearby. Remove any carrion or waste promptly. Keep trash cans sealed tight to prevent them from breeding.
Green Bottle Flies
Green bottle flies are a type of blow fly with a bright metallic green body. They’re common around garbage, roadkill, and pet waste. These flies are strong fliers and can travel long distances to find food.
They’re important decomposers in nature but a pest around homes. Keep compost piles covered and away from the house. Clean up after pets immediately to reduce attractants.
Black Flies
Black flies are small, humpbacked flies that bite during daytime. They breed in fast-moving streams and rivers, which are common in Missouri’s Ozark region. Their bites can cause severe itching and swelling.
Black fly activity peaks in late spring and early summer. Wear long sleeves and pants when near water. Use repellent with picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus for protection.
Sand Flies
Sand flies are tiny, about 1/8 inch long, with hairy wings. They’re found near sandy areas along rivers and lakes. Their bites can be painful and cause small red welts.
These flies are most active at dawn and dusk. Avoid sitting directly on sand during these times. Use insect repellent and wear protective clothing if you’re near sandy riverbanks.
How To Identify Flies In Missouri
Identifying flies correctly is the first step to controlling them. Here are key features to look for:
- Size: Measure the fly’s length. House flies are about 1/4 inch, while horse flies can be over an inch.
- Color: Note any metallic sheen, stripes, or patterns on the body.
- Wings: Check for clear or patterned wings, and how they fold when at rest.
- Behavior: Watch if the fly bites, hovers, or gathers around specific areas like drains or windows.
- Breeding sites: Look for where they congregate, such as garbage, drains, or animal areas.
Use a magnifying glass or take a clear photo for closer inspection. Compare your findings to online guides or contact your local extension office for help.
Common Fly Habitats In Missouri
Different flies prefer different environments. Here’s where you’re most likely to find each type:
- House flies: Kitchens, garbage cans, pet areas
- Blow flies: Dead animals, meat, garbage
- Fruit flies: Overripe fruit, drains, recycling bins
- Drain flies: Sinks, showers, floor drains
- Horse flies: Near ponds, streams, pastures
- Stable flies: Barns, stables, livestock pens
- Cluster flies: Attics, wall voids, window frames
- Face flies: Around cattle and horses
- Black flies: Near fast-moving streams and rivers
Prevention Tips For Missouri Flies
Preventing flies is easier than dealing with an infestation. Follow these steps to keep your home and yard fly-free:
- Keep garbage cans sealed and clean them regularly.
- Remove pet waste from your yard daily.
- Store food in airtight containers.
- Clean kitchen counters and sinks after meals.
- Fix leaky pipes and dry out damp areas.
- Install screens on windows and doors.
- Use yellow bug lights outdoors to attract fewer flies.
- Keep compost piles covered and away from the house.
- Trim grass and vegetation around your home.
- Remove standing water from gutters and containers.
These simple habits reduce breeding sites and make your property less attractive to flies. Consistency is key for long-term control.
Natural Fly Control Methods
If you prefer chemical-free options, try these natural methods:
- Fly traps: Use vinegar or sugar-based traps for fruit flies.
- Herbal repellents: Plant basil, lavender, or mint near doors.
- Essential oils: Spray peppermint or eucalyptus oil around windows.
- Fly paper: Hang sticky strips in problem areas.
- Fans: Place fans on porches to disrupt fly flight.
- Diatomaceous earth: Sprinkle around breeding sites to dry out larvae.
These methods work best for small infestations. For severe problems, you may need professional pest control.
When To Call A Professional
Some fly infestations require expert help. Call a pest control company if:
- You have recurring infestations despite prevention efforts.
- You find large numbers of cluster flies in your attic.
- Flies are breeding in hard-to-reach areas like wall voids.
- You have livestock with fly-related health issues.
- You’re unsure of the fly species or its breeding source.
Professionals can identify the exact species and apply targeted treatments. They also have access to stronger insecticides that aren’t available to consumers.
Health Risks From Missouri Flies
Flies can carry diseases that affect humans and animals. Common health risks include:
- House flies: Spread bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella.
- Horse flies: Transmit tularemia and anthrax in rare cases.
- Black flies: Cause severe allergic reactions in some people.
- Face flies: Spread pink eye in cattle.
- Stable flies: Cause painful bites and stress in livestock.
Always wash your hands after handling garbage or animal waste. Keep food covered and clean up spills immediately to reduce disease risk.
Seasonal Fly Activity In Missouri
Fly activity changes with the seasons. Here’s what to expect throughout the year:
- Spring: Black flies emerge near streams. Cluster flies leave overwintering sites.
- Summer: Peak season for house flies, horse flies, and stable flies.
- Fall: Cluster flies enter homes to overwinter. Fruit flies increase with harvest.
- Winter: Most flies die off, but cluster flies remain active indoors.
Prepare for each season by sealing entry points in fall and removing breeding sites in spring. This proactive approach minimizes fly problems year-round.
Fly Control For Livestock Owners
If you have horses, cattle, or other livestock, flies can be a major issue. Here are specific tips:
- Use fly masks and sheets on horses.
- Apply insecticide ear tags on cattle.
- Clean stalls daily and remove manure.
- Use fly predators (parasitic wasps) to target larvae.
- Install automatic fly spray systems in barns.
- Keep feed areas clean and dry.
Integrated pest management works best for livestock operations. Combine biological, chemical, and cultural methods for effective control.
Common Fly Myths Debunked
There are many misconceptions about flies. Here are the facts:
- Myth: Flies only live 24 hours. Fact: House flies live 15-30 days.
- Myth: Fruit flies come from fruit. Fact: They’re attracted to fermenting material, not fresh fruit.
- Myth: All flies bite. Fact: Only female horse flies, deer flies, and stable flies bite.
- Myth: Fly paper kills all flies. Fact: It only catches a small percentage.
- Myth: Flies hibernate. Fact: Cluster flies overwinter as adults, but most flies die in winter.
Understanding these facts helps you choose the right control methods. Don’t rely on myths for pest management.
Fly-Proofing Your Home
Seal your home to keep flies out. Check these common entry points:
- Window screens: Repair any tears or holes.
- Door sweeps: Install at the bottom of exterior doors.
- Cracks: Caulk gaps around windows, doors, and siding.
- Vents: Cover attic and crawl space vents with mesh.
- Pipes: Seal openings where pipes enter the house.
Do a thorough inspection in spring and fall. Pay special attention to areas where cluster flies might enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common types of flies in Missouri?
The most common flies in Missouri include house flies, blow flies, fruit flies, drain flies, horse flies, deer flies, stable flies, and cluster flies. Each has distinct habits and breeding sites.
How do I get rid of flies in my Missouri home?
Start by removing breeding sites like garbage, pet waste, and overripe fruit. Clean drains, seal entry points, and use traps or natural repellents. For severe infestations, call a pest control professional.
Are there dangerous flies in Missouri?
Horse flies, deer flies, and stable flies bite and can transmit diseases. Black flies cause allergic reactions in some people. While not typically deadly, their bites are painful and can lead to secondary infections.
What attracts flies to my Missouri yard?
Flies are attracted to decaying organic matter, animal waste, garbage, standing water, and overripe fruit. Livestock, pet areas, and compost piles also draw flies. Keeping your yard clean reduces attractants.
When is fly season in Missouri?
Fly season in Missouri typically runs from April through October, with peak activity in July and August. Cluster flies are active indoors during winter, while black flies emerge in early spring near streams.
Knowing the specific types of flies in Missouri helps you target your control efforts. Each species requires a slightly different approach, but prevention is always the best strategy. Keep your home and yard clean, seal entry points, and address breeding sites promptly. If problems persist, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. With the right knowledge and tools, you can enjoy a fly-free environment all year long.