The Housefly and the Bluebottle are the two most common fly pests in Ireland. They belong to the order Diptera (two-wings) which contains over 100,000 species.

Of all domestic pests the common Housefly is probably one of the most serious threats to our health. They have the disgusting habit of vomiting on our food while excreting at the same time. They carry and spread diseases, and in particular Salmonella. They fly from sewage to our dinner plates bringing filth with them. The female fly lays her eggs onto a suitable food medium, such as rotting organic material.

The eggs will hatch after a day into those well-known larvae, the maggot. The larval stage takes about a week to complete, it is followed by the pupal stage, and after a further 1-2 weeks the adult fly will emerge. Very large infestations can occur given the right (or wrong) conditions.

Bluebottles are larger than the Housefly, with a shiny metallic blue body, and are 6-12 mm long. Bluebottles have a preference for meat and dead things in general. They are often found around refuse tips, rotting animal matter, dirt and dustbins. A Bluebottle infestation can often follow a rodent infestation, if dead rodents remain. They spread disease between their various landing places, and feed in the same manner as the house fly; vomiting on food to break it down, while excreting at the same time, and then feeding on the mixture of vomit and food.

The female bluebottle lays her eggs onto a suitable food medium, usually all types of meat or animal products such as cheese. The eggs will hatch after one day into maggots. (It is these maggots that anglers use for bait).

HOW TO TACKLE FLIES

There are loads of products available to get rid of flies - sprays, swats, flypaper etc. The treatment and prevention of flies relies first on an accurate identification of the pest species. Only then can an effective strategy be tailored to the elimination of the source of the infestation, the prevention of the insects entering the affected areas and the destruction or removal of any insects present. Control measures might include, insecticides, proofing with mesh curtains, ultra-violet (blue light) insect killers, and housekeeping.

SOME USEFUL TIPS

Always keep meat and any other foodstuffs covered.

If you would rather not use pesticides around food, a good alternative is to pierce an orange with whole cloves and place in the kitchen, the combination of citrus and cloves is hated by flies and gives a very nice smell in the house.

Keep dustbins clean, with tight lids and away from doors and windows and use an insecticide dustbin powder.

Don't swat: vacuum. Put the long plastic crevice wand on the vacuum cleaner and vacuum flies and insects off the windows, ceilings and walls. No mess. Throw the bag in the trash afterward.