Key Features:
Blow flies are so called because they were believed to "blow" their eggs, or larvae on to exposed meats. It is a general description of a number of species of large buzzing flies, which include the Bluebottle, the Greenbottle and the Flesh Fly.

Biology:
All varieties of blowfly like sunlight and are attracted to meat or carrion, and all may be found around dustbins in hot summer weather. Their feeding habits (they vomit onto food to soften it up) and filthy feet infect food, especially meat products, as they feed or seek egg-laying sites.

Distribution:
Found all around the world, but are attracted to meat and carrion, particularly during hot weather.

Significance:
Their Latin names indicate their habits; Calliphora vomitoria, Sarcophaga carnaria and Cyanomyia cadaverina are but three members of the group with a great capacity for transmitting the bacterial agents of food poisoning.

Blow flies can transmit dysentery, gastroenteritis, tuberculosis and intestinal worms. They move from filth to food indiscriminately and may therefore have pathogens from dirty to clean areas.

Control:
Blowfly infestations can be controlled with poisoned baits, insecticidal sprays and electric fly killers. Space sprays should not be used more than once a week to avoid building a resistance in fly populations.

Good hygiene is also essential in preventing problems with blowfly and avoiding the diseases these pests can carry.

If you have a problem with blowfly, Safeguard can help you! Contact us today for more information.