Phorid Fly Control: How To Get Rid of Phorid Flies

This page is a general phorid fly control guide. Using the products and methods suggested, you will successfully get control of phorid flies. 

Phorid flies can cause concern when they appear around homes and businesses. Also known as humpback flies, phorid flies are small and dull brown in color, but there are some species that are brightly colored. They are also prolific breeders and can lay 40 eggs in 12 hours.

Phorid flies are found around moisture, near kitchens, bathrooms, drains, spoiled food, trash cans, potted plants, leaky sinks or pipes, or even litter boxes. They are also attracted to decomposing food and organic materials, so they will not hesitate to set up shop in a home where sanitation is poor.

Because phorid flies habitually dwell inside rotting and decomposing materials, they are liable to spread diseases and transfer bacteria to food-serving surfaces and utensils that are later used by humans.

If you are experiencing an infestation of phorid flies, follow our guide below to learn the best methods and products to use for phorid fly control.

Identification

Before you can carry out treatment, you need to make sure you're dealing with Phorid Flies. Misidentification can lead to the use of the wrong treatment methods, which can be a waste of time and money. Below, we'll describe some of the characteristics that set them apart.

• Phorid flies are usually about 1/8 of an inch in size (or 3 mm)
• They can range in various colors, from light brown to yellowish or dull brown.
• They are often mistaken for fruit flies or drain flies, but they do not have the hairy appearance of drain flies or the bright red eyes of fruit flies.
• Phorid flies have dull and dark-colored eyes.
• Their identifying characteristic is the hump on their thorax, which is why they are also called humpback flies.
• Phorid flies often move erratically and quickly in a jerking fashion. While they can travel by flight, phorid flies often like to walk or run along counters, walls, and other surfaces more than fly. This is why they’ve also been known as the scuttlefly for this behavior.
• Phorid flies breed in drains and lay their eggs, which give birth to phorid fly larvae.
• Phorid fly larvae are a dirty white color and cylinder-shaped.

Use the image and description above to identify phorid flies on your property. If you are unsure, contact us, and we will have one of our pros assist you with correct identification.

Inspection

After you have confirmed that you are dealing with phorid flies, proceed with an inspection to determine where they are infesting so you can determine where to focus your treatment. During the inspection, you will focus on finding problem areas where Phorid Flies are found.

Where To Inspect

Most infestations occur indoors, so inspect there. Start in kitchens and bathrooms. Near sinks, drains (floor drains as well), spoiled food, trash cans, potted plants, leaky sinks or pipes or faucets, or litter boxes (feces in the yard if you have a dog).

What To Look For

You're looking for phorid flies and the decaying organic matter attracting them. Inspect all the areas and items mentioned above, looking for decomposing materials. In garbage cans, inspect the bottom of the garbage can to make sure there are no old spills or garbage that has remained unseen at the bottom.

You can proceed to treatment once you have discovered phorid flies or the decomposing materials attracting them.

Treatment

Once you have confirmed the activity hotspots, it is time to begin treating phorid fly. Remember to read all product labels, follow the application instructions on these labels, and stay safe by wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).

Phorid fly treatment involves removing the decomposing breeding source, conducting sanitation measures, and applying products like Pyrid Aerosol and Musca-Stik to knock down and capture lingering flies. You should also apply Forid Drain Gel Cleaner to eliminate breeding sources in drains.

Step 1: Sanitize Your Home

Begin by thoroughly sanitizing your home. In this step, you will eliminate decomposing materials or any possible items attracting them.

Wipe countertops, mop, and vacuum to get rid of unseen food crumbs. Check under and around appliances for possible spills. Check the bottom of your garbage can for spills or material that might have remained unseen.

Get rid of any rotten or spoiled fruits and vegetables. Seal all food goods in plastic containers. Clean up after your pets and empty litter boxes if you have them. Fix and repair any areas prone to creating moisture, like leaky plumbing or pipes.

Step 2: Indoor Treatment

Now, you're ready to start treatment indoors. You will use three products: Forid, Pyrid, and Musca-Stik Fly Traps. Forid is an organic microbial grease degrader that breaks down organic materials inside drains, which might be the source of the infestation.

Pyrid will be used as a space and contact spray for any phorid flies you can find. Musca-Stik Fly traps are sticky fly traps that attract flies with pheromones and make the phorid flies fly directly into it, where they will become stuck and eventually die.

Forid Drain Gel Cleaner

Forid Drain Gel Cleaner is a natural Microbial Grease Degrader (MGD) that breaks down the decaying matter accumulated inside the drain, eliminating the breeding grounds that attract Phorid Flies.

To apply, first allow 1 to 2 gallons of hot water to run and flow through the drain to be treated. Next, measure 4 ounces on the tip of the measuring bottle and apply 4 ounces to each drain. Make sure to apply to the sides and edges of the drain, and do not apply directly down the drain.

Repeat this application for 5 to 7 days to clear the drain and end phorid fly drain activity.

Pyrid Aerosol

You can use Pyrid as both a contact spray and a space spray. To use Pyrid as a space spray, make sure there are no pets or people inside the rooms where It will be applied. Also, make sure to turn off the air conditioner and close all windows and doors.

Apply at the rate of 1 to 3 seconds per 1,000 cubic feet. If applying in the kitchen, make sure that no food serving items (plates, bowls, pots, etc.) or eating utensils are exposed.

Do not let people or pets enter sprayed rooms until 15 minutes have passed and the rooms have been properly ventilated. If applying in the kitchen, make sure to wipe all counters clean.

Musca-Stik

Musca-Stik traps are affordable and effective fly traps that attract flies visually and via Musca-Lure pheromone attractants. Simply sprinkle the Musca-Lure attractant into the catch basin of the trap and then place the trap in a high location where Phorid Flies have been most prevalent. 

Flies will get stuck in the trap, and you can easily dispose of them after they are full.  

Prevention

After you have eliminated the phorid flies from your home, you want to ensure they don't make a return. Keep them away by implementing the following preventative measures.

• Start by periodically cleaning drains by using Forid drain gel.
• Practice good hygiene and maintain a regular cleaning schedule. Clean counters, countertops, and stoves. Take out the garbage frequently, and do not let it build up in your home.
• Use a spray bottle to water potted plants to prevent overwatering. And finally, eliminate any moisture issues around your property. Fix any leaky faucets or faulty plumbing and ensure no standing water is anywhere on the property.

Key Takeaways

What are Phorid Flies?

• Phorid flies are attracted to filth and decomposing matter. Infestations occur when the area is not properly sanitized.

How to Get Rid of Phorid Flies

• After clearing up the filth source, apply Pyrid Aerosol, Musca-Stik Traps, and Forid Drain Cleaner to address any lingering flies. 

Phorid Fly Reinfestation

• Maintain a regular sanitation schedule, and you won't have phorid flies causing a problem again.