Both face and cluster flies overwinter
in structures and are a nuisance.
They will overwinter inside
structures (in walls, attics, under siding, within voids of overhangs,
in basements, and in other sheltered locations. They mate after emerging
in the spring.
Neither cluster flies nor face flies multiply
within structures.
Face Flies Overwinter
Face flies and cluster flies may hibernate in the walls
of homes or other buildings during the fall and winter months. When the
temperatures lower, the adult Face flies are attracted to the warmth of
the walls.
Particularly attractive to these flies are the south and east sides of structures because of the late summer sun.
During spring or on a warm day, these flies become active
and come inside your homes.
They are attracted to light and may be found near windows
or light bulbs.
Face Fly Control and Elimination
Management of Face Flies
As with all fly control, the best measure of pest control
is the removal of their breeding sources that promote larval growth. The face
flies breed in fresh cattle manure that has not been disturbed, so removing
these sites may not be possible. However, by increasing the cattle movement
in a given area by restricting their pasture area, these manure areas
with be disturbed and reduce the development of the larval forms.
Prevention
Face fly problems in structures
can be partially prevented, but after the fall little can be done. All of those currently found within the home had infiltrated
walls months ago.
A "mini-vac" is the best control of the individual Face Flies
that are currently present.
Begin searching for resting sites on the southern and
western sides of the building because in fall and winter these walls receive
the most sun and therefore are usually the warmest parts of the building.
The flies are attracted to these warm areas when searching for protective
wintertime harborage.
Spray the outside walls of the building where face flies are
likely to land and rest before entering the building. D-Fense
will not leave a visible residue as Cyper WP.
Spray these residual insecticides outside around window
frames, door frames, soffits and eaves as well as any other areas that
are vulnerable to entry.
Recommended also would be a dust like D-Fense Dust,dusted into cracks that have not been sealed, allowing the dust
to flow back into the void areas. Thoroughly caulking all exterior cracks
on the sun-exposed sides (south and west) is very important.
If this is not successful an aerosol like CB-80pryethrum
contact aerosol can be used. Spray lightly and repeat spray as needed.
Electronic fly traps for residential and commercial use
can be found at Fly Control Products.
Late August and early September are the times to use
a good residual sprays such as,
D-fense SC
or Cyper
WP.
Identification of the Face Fly
Size:The adults are about 1/4 inch in length, and they look similar to
a house fly. Their color is a dull gray.
The identity of the Face Fly is sometimes confused with the House
Fly.
The face fly is larger and darker in color, when
comparing both the house fly and face fly.
Face flies are normally seen outdoors from spring to fall. When the
temperature is around 60°F.
Biology of Face Flies
Females lay their eggs in cow droppings that are new and undisturbed
during the summer months. The larvae is yellow like and lives in the manure until they pupate in
the soil. The eggs can number from 30 - 230, and hatch in 10 - 23 days. The lifecycle fo the face fly is about 14-21 days long.
Although
the preferred food of choice for the Face Fly is the mucus and the watery
secretions around the eyes, nose and mouth of cattle and horses in the
summer months. Face flies can transmit pinkeye to livestock.They will
also feed on blood, flower nectar, and dung fluid.
Inspecting for Face Flies
- Female face
flies tend to cluster in large numbers around the face of cattle and horses.
- Adults can
also be found around bushes, tall grass, weeds, and fence posts.
- In the winter,
adults seek shelter in such places as attics, wall voids and basements.
- Face flies
can be found on cattle farms since they develop in fresh manure.
- Any structures
close to farms, barns, ranches, stockyards can be infested.
