Key Features:
A common sight during hot weather, the Bluebottle is a large buzzing fly with shiny, metallic blue body, 6-12mm long. The larva is a maggot which burrows into meat or carrion to feed.

Biology:
One Bluebottle can lay up to 600 eggs, which in warm weather will hatch in under 48 hours and produce maggots which can become fully developed in a week. These maggots burrow into meat or carrion as they feed on it, and then pupate, often in loose soil, for about ten days before emerging as adult flies from the brown pupal case.

Distribution:
Bluebottles, like other flies, are often found around refuse tips, rotting animal matter dirt and dustbins.

Significance:
They commute from filth to food, carrying bacteria on their legs, feet and bodies. Due to their filthy habits – such as vomiting onto food to soften and digest it – they can cause infections and food poisoning.

Bluebottles 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:
Bluebottle 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 bluebottles and avoiding the diseases that they carry.

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