SERVICE REQUEST

A few flies buzzing around might seem like a minor annoyance, but if you’re dealing with a persistent fly problem in your home or business, there’s more to it than just swatting and hoping for the best. Flies are a genuine hygiene and health concern — and here in South Carolina’s warm, humid climate, they can be a problem year-round.

Common Flies in the Midlands

House Flies: The most common and most problematic from a health standpoint. House flies breed in organic waste — garbage, compost, animal waste — then land on food and food prep surfaces, transferring bacteria in the process.

Fruit Flies: Tiny flies that breed around overripe fruit, fermented liquids, and moist organic matter in drains. A common kitchen pest that can be surprisingly hard to eliminate.

Drain Flies: Small, moth-like flies that breed in the organic buildup inside drains. Common in bathrooms and kitchens.

Blow Flies / Bottle Flies: Large, metallic-colored flies that breed in dead animals or heavily contaminated organic waste. A sudden large population of these may indicate a dead rodent inside your home.

Phorid Flies: Small flies that breed in a wide range of organic material, sometimes indicating a plumbing or drainage issue.

Why Flies Are a Health Concern

House flies are capable of transmitting over 65 diseases, including Salmonella, E. coli, Typhoid, and Dysentery. Here’s how it happens: flies land on waste and decomposing organic matter, pick up pathogens on their legs and bodies, then land on your food, countertops, and dishes. They also regurgitate saliva containing bacteria when they feed.

For businesses — restaurants, food service operations, and healthcare facilities — a fly problem is not just a pest issue. It’s a compliance and liability issue.

Finding and Eliminating Breeding Sites

The most effective fly control starts with finding where they’re breeding. Common sites include:

  • Overflowing or infrequently emptied trash cans
  • Compost bins too close to the house
  • Standing water or organic buildup in drains
  • Pet waste in the yard
  • Overripe or rotting fruit
  • Animal remains inside walls (if rodents died there)

Treating adult flies without eliminating breeding sites is a temporary fix at best.

Professional Fly Control Treatment

At Econ-O-Bug, our approach addresses both the adult fly population and the source of the infestation:

  • Source elimination: Identifying and treating breeding sites
  • Interior treatment: Targeted treatments for areas with heavy fly activity
  • Exclusion recommendations: Sealing entry points, proper door sweeps, and screening to reduce flies entering the building

Tips to Reduce Fly Pressure Between Services

  • Empty trash cans frequently and keep lids tight
  • Clean drains regularly
  • Don’t leave food or dirty dishes out
  • Pick up pet waste from the yard promptly
  • Make sure window and door screens are intact and properly fitted

We Serve Homes and Businesses Across the Midlands

Whether you’re dealing with a persistent fly problem at home or running a business where fly control is critical, Econ-O-Bug Pest Control can help. We’ve been serving Lexington, Columbia, and the Midlands of South Carolina since 1981.

Call (803) 998-2297 or visit econobugpc.com to schedule your free inspection.