COMMON FLIES IN NEW YORK (Articles)

Description: Face flies are one of the most difficult pasture pests to control. They are on cattle only for short periods of time during the day and stay mostly on the head, which is difficult to treat with insecticides. Face flies use an abrasive sponging mouthpart to stimulate tear flow from the eyes. These flies lap up the protein rich secretions from the eye as well as nasal discharges, saliva, or blood oozing…

Description: Houseflies are the most common of all domestic flies, accounting for about 90% of all flies in that live in human habitations, and are one of the most widely distributed insects, as they are found all over the world. Flies are major carriers of diseases and can infest all types of premises. They are attracted to all types of food, including human food, pet food, animal feed, food waste and even feces…

Description: Horse flies and deer flies are bloodsucking insects that can be serious pests of cattle, horses, and humans. Horse flies are a particular pest to livestock. Relentless biting attacks by females can result in reduced weight gain in some animals. Attack by a few of these persistent flies can make outdoor work and recreation miserable. Horse fly bites can be very painful for humans too .They have mouth p…

Description: Blow flies are so-called because the larvae develop inside the bodies of dead animals, causing the carrion to have a bloated appearance. They also are attracted to garbage. Blow flies are about the size of house flies or slightly larger. They have been called “bottle flies” because their shiny blue and green color resemble like colored glass bottles, though some species are shiny black or bronze. Larg…

Description: Cluster flies, also known as attic flies, are household pests. They appear on the sunny side of the structure in heaviest concentrations in late fall and early winter, as they seek warm locations in which to live during cold months. Although cluster flies are observed buzzing and congregating at windows, screens may prove ineffective in preventing their entrance. Cluster flies are capable of crawlin…

Description: The appearance of sand flies and their painful bites that can cause secondary infection are the most frequently observed sign of an infestation. Also, evidence of sand fly problems includes the incidence of human and animal diseases that are transmitted by sand fly bites.   Appearance: Sand fly adults are small flies – only about 3 mm long – and are golden, brownish or gray colored. They h…

Description: Flesh flies are sometimes among the first insects to arrive at a dead animal carcass. Areas around the home with rotting matter, such as garbage cans, compost piles, animal droppings, and animal carcasses, can attract flesh fries. Not commonly found in the home, flesh flies frequently infest industrial buildings like meat processing and packing facilities. Adult flesh flies don’t bite humans, but th…

  Description: Stable flies also known as "biting flies" can deliver a painful bite. They bite people, livestock, pets and other mammals. The bites may feel like a needle stab and typically occur around the ankles and lower parts of the legs. Stable flies are very persistent when searching for a blood meal. They require the blood meal for reproduction. Stable flies overwinter in breeding sites an…