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  • Sphaerocerid Fly or Small Dung Fly Flies

    Sphaerocerid Fly or Small Dung Fly
  • Sphaerocerid Fly or Small Dung Fly
  • Sphaerocerid Fly or Small Dung Fly
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Elimination

To control these flies, the source of the infestation—the rotting organic matter—must be found and removed, as the larvae cannot survive without it. Carrying out the required repairs, removing the organic matter, and drying out the area will permanently eliminate the problem.

If the adult flies are bothersome, they can be eliminated by lightly spraying an appropriate insecticide such as Maheu&Maheu Flying Insect Killer in the air and on surfaces where the flies are sitting.

Actions

  • Find and remove decomposing organic matter (sewer backup).
  • Clean and brush drains, plumbing, and overflow outlets
  • Spot spray with pyrethrin-based insecticide in places with a lot of flies

Prevention

  • Take care of drains to prevent surface buildup of organic matter
  • Repair and dry up after water leaks quickly

Description and development

Sphaerocerid flies or small dung flies are holometabolous insects (having four very different life stages) in the Sphaeroceridae family of the Diptera order. There are many species of these flies in North America. As their name indicates, they are small—usually less than 5 mm—and are generally dark brown in color. They can fly for short distances or move about in quick hops.
The eggs are laid on damp, rotting organic matter. After the eggs hatch, the insect develops through the larval, pupal, and adult stages. The life cycle (egg to adult) takes only a few weeks. The larvae feed on the organic matter on which the eggs were laid.

Habits

These flies proliferate in the presence of damp, rotting organic matter. Small dung flies usually develop inside homes following a break in a pipe or a sewer backup. They can be seen flying around the house or sitting on window sills.

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