Stored Product Pests

SMALL FLIES

 

Linda J. Mason, Extension Entomologist

If you want to view as pdf, click here

DESCRIPTION

Many small flies (<1/4”) are found in association with man. However, the six species of flies listed below are of concern because they are the most common of the small flies, often associated with food preparation areas and are capable of carrying disease-causing organisms.

Fruit Flies: 1/8”, tan colored, red eyes
Phorid Flies: 1/8”, thorax humpbacked, small head, no red eyes, wings have 2 thick veins at the leading edge
Moth Flies: 1/8”, body and wings covered with tiny hairs, larvae have a darkened breathing tube
Sphaerocerid Flies: 1/8”, first segment of tarsi on hind leg enlarged
Fungus Gnats: 1/16”, very thin abdomen, very long legs, first segment of leg (coax) long and thin
Cheese Skippers: 1/8”, shiny black with bronze tints on thorax, iridescent wings fold flat over abdomen

BREEDING SITES

Most of these pests feed and reproduce in moist organic matter. This includes but is not limited to rotting fruit and vegetables, garbage, soil contaminated with sewage and drains. Sphaerocerid flies are also found in manure; cheese skippers breed in meat, cheese and human cadavers; and fungus gnats can feed on fungus growing in wet soil.

INSPECTION TIPS

• Larvae only survive in organic matter that is moist
• Rotting fruit/vegetables/plant materials
• Trash cans, compactors, dumpsters
• Where equipment legs meet the floor
• Discarded fruit juice and soda cans; recycle bins
• Drains
• Elevator pits
• Repack areas of warehouses
• Terrariums, soil in potted plants
• Mop buckets, mops
• Cadavers
• Grease or food trapped in cracks of equipment
• Leaks in or around cabinets that cause wood to stay moist
• Wet insulation in walls and ceilings

CONTROL

The best method for eliminating an infestation is to find and remove all actual and potential breeding sites. Bleach and hot water WILL NOT eliminate breeding sites in drains. Drains must be cleaned with a brush and an industrial strength drain cleaner. If small flies are found in the soil, dry the soil out. Placing a 2” liter of sand over the dried soil will help prevent future infestations. If you have a phorid fly problem, remove sewage infested soil and replace with new soil. Clean and caulk cracks between equipment and floor. Dry out moist areas – remember larvae need a moist habitat to survive. Cheese skippers cannot infest meats and cheese if stored correctly. Stored cheese and meats at 30-36˚F. After breeding sites have been identified and removed, ULV treatment with a non-residual will kill remaining adult flies. Light traps can also be used to attract fruit flies, phorid flies (males only), moth flies and fungus gnats.

 

READ AND FOLLOW ALL LABEL INSTRUCTIONS. THIS INCLUDES DIRECTIONS FOR USE, PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (HAZARDS TO HUMANS, DOMESTIC ANIMALS, AND ENDANGERED SPECIES), ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS, RATES OF APPLICATION, NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS, REENTRY INTERVALS, HARVEST RESTRICTIONS, STORAGE AND DISPOSAL, AND ANY SPECIFIC WARNINGS AND/OR PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFE HANDLING OF THE PESTICIDE.

November 2018

It is the policy of the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service that all persons have equal opportunity and access to its educational programs, services, activities, and facilities without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, disability or status as a veteran. Purdue University is an Affirmative Action institution. This material may be available in alternative formats.

This work is supported in part by Extension Implementation Grant 2017-70006-27140/ IND011460G4-1013877 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

1-888-EXT-INFO
www.extension.purdue.edu

Order or download materials from www.the-education-store.com