Small Flies

What are Small Flies?

Adult small flies are small (<1/4”), yellowish, tan to dark brown and are often associated with food preparation areas. All small flies have an egg, larva (maggot), pupa, and adult stage in their life cycle. Development from egg to adult can be completed in 8 to 10 days.

The most common small flies in residential and commercial facilities are:

Fruit Flies: 1/8”, dull brown to tan colored, bright 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, brownish to black, larvae have a darkened breathing tube

Fungus Gnats: 1/16”, very thin abdomen, very long legs, first segment of leg is long and thin (mosquito-like in body shape)

Why do I have them?

Small flies generally breed inside structures and are associated with high levels of moisture. Immature stages feed on overripe, fermenting or rotting fruit and vegetables, whole or in part (such as peels); fermenting liquids (vinegar, beer, wine, cider); and other rotting organic material commonly found in garbage, drains and other unsanitary areas. Adult small flies can be attracted to fruit or fermenting liquids. Fungus gnats can feed on fungus growing in wet soil. Phorid flies feed on decaying animals and vegetable materials.

Are they dangerous?

Adult Small flies can be a nuisance in restaurants, wine cellars and near fruit and vegetable fields and food processing areas where an abundant breeding habitat is available. They are less likely to transmit diseases than filth flies.

How do you get rid of Small Flies?

Small Flies are extremely difficult to control. That's why our service includes the necessary products and follow up visits for one fee. Our treatment methods consist of the following:

Initial Service - Detailed inspection of the interior and exterior of your home, then a targeted treatment of all areas where activity is present. Each Initial Service includes the application of seven exclusive Pest Guard steps, designed to rid your home of unwanted pests and keep them away.

Follow Up - Quarterly interior/exterior or exterior-only services will be scheduled as part of our annual Integrated Pest Management program. All Schendel Premium Care customers enjoy the benefit of our PestZero Guarantee. If pests return in between visits, Schendel returns for free.

Can I do it myself?

Due to the complexity of treatment and the time required, Small Flies are generally not a pest many people have success in eradicating. Beware when purchasing pesticides and other products online as many are not effective. Pesticides can be harmful to people and pets if they are misused or mixed improperly.

How soon can you get here?

Schendel is 100% committed helping you ASAP. In most cases, we can respond the same or very next day.

Is the treatment safe?

Schendel uses the least amount of material as possible while still resolving the problem. We utilize natural products, baits, and mechanical means as a form of treatment as much as possible. When conventional materials are required, we follow very stringent guidelines for the use of the product so that is poses no threat to people, pets or plants. All products are registered by the EPA. Our service technicians will inform you of any specific safety measures that need to be taken.

How much does it cost?

We have standard pricing for all of our pest services, based on average size homes under 3500 square feet, and where the infestation does not require more than the standard number of services. We will always make you aware of any price changes before we start your service. Sign up for your FREE quote today and see how much you can save with Schendel.

What is the warranty?

Schendel offers customers an exclusive PestZero Warranty. We will target the source and eliminate your pest problem. If pests return, Schendel returns for free. Guaranteed.

How can I prevent this in the future?

Pest problems can be difficult to prevent. Many of our clients choose to continue service with our carpenter bee services to keep pests out of their home. You can also check our Pest Prevention Tips here.

Where does Schendel service?

Schendel Pest Services provides residential and commercial small fly control and extermination services for Topeka, KS, Kansas City, KS, Lawrence, KS, Wichita, KS, Kansas City, MO, Springfield, MO, Phoenix, AZ, and Norman, OK.