Heat waves fuel fly outbreaks: How to keep them at bay

Flies are a common nuisance in the Ozarks year-round, but their activity can dramatically spike during heat waves. Warmer temperatures create ideal conditions for flies, encouraging them to move indoors in search of food, moisture, shelter, and cool air. Both house flies and fruit flies become harder to control when heat waves set in. This reasoning isn't just anecdotal. It turns out there's a biological reasoning behind it too.

Flies are cold-blooded and become more active in warmer temperatures. This includes an accelerated life-cycle. Under normal conditions, a house fly takes between 10 to 12 days to develop from an egg into an adult. However, during heat waves when temperatures are in the 90s, this process can take just 4 to 6 days. Fruit flies can produce even more quickly, often completing a full cycle in as little as 4 days. This rapid cycle means fly populations can explode if left unchecked.

The indoor environment becomes especially attractive to flies during hot spells. Not only is it often cooler than the outdoors, but it also offers a buffet of food sources, such as over-ripened fruit, crumbs, spills, pet food, and trash. Standing water in sink drains or plant trays can also provide much-needed water. The combination of food and water indoors makes homes and businesses particularly vulnerable to flies during summer heat waves.

Fortunately, there are several effective ways to reduce the risk of a fly outbreak in your home during heat waves. Start by eliminating attractants by cleaning kitchen surfaces, taking out the trash more often, and storing food in sealed containers.

Refrigerate or dispose of overripe produce and rinse recyclables before placing them in bins. Ensure all doors and windows are well-sealed and use screens to prevent entry for flies. For fruit flies, cleaning drains and placing out vinegar traps can quickly reduce their numbers. Proactive steps taken before and during heat waves can drastically cut down on fly problems.

Understanding fly behavior during heat waves can help households and businesses stay one step ahead. by maintaining cleanliness, eliminating breeding spots, and sealing entry points you can prevent a minor annoyance from turning into a major infestation.