Solving Small Fly Problems with CSI Products
The first step to any successful IPM program is to identify the pest. There are several small flies that are commonly found in residential and commercial properties, listed below:
- Drain flies (moth flies) Family: Psychodidae
- Fruit flies (red-eyed and dark-eyed); Family: Drosophilidae
- Phorid Flies (humpbacked flies): Family: Phoridae
- Fungus Gnats; Family: Sciaridae & Mycetophilidae
The use of monitors for capturing small flies can assist in identifying a small fly problem early. Insect light traps (ILTs) are highly attractive to many small flies and should be installed according to the manufacturer’s direction. Additionally, fruit fly traps can be used to monitor for presence of fruit flies and reduce populations.
Inspection and source identification
Adult fly control alone is not enough to solve a small fly problem. The solution depends on locating the source of the infestation and treating or removing the breeding material the larvae are developing in.
Inspection tools:
- Drain brush
- Inspection mirror (mechanics mirror)
- Scraper
- Flashlight or headlamp
Not sure if small flies are coming from a drain? Try the cup trick!
Place double sided sticky tape on the inside of a clear, plastic cup. Invert the plastic cup over any suspicious drains. After several hours, inspect the cups for activity to determine which drains may have issues.
SMALL FLY TREATMENT WITH CSI PEST PRODUCTS
*Read and follow all label directions and restrictions before using any of these products in addition to any local or state laws applicators are required to follow.
Click here to view the Small Flies products on the CSI-Pest website >>>Final thoughts
Small-fly problems are solved at the source, not by chasing adults. Carefully inspect and monitor buildings to locate breeding sites, treat those sites with targeted IGRs, and employ adulticides only for rapid knockdown. Always follow product labels and facility safety protocols.
For the full step-by-step protocol, inspection checklist and product rates, download the CSI Service Protocol: Small Fly Treatment Guide
