Flies are attracted to various substances for different reasons. Understanding what attracts flies can help prevent infestations and allow for effective control methods. This article explores the main attractants for flies and explains why they are drawn to them.
Sugars
Flies have taste receptors that are highly sensitive to sugars. They can detect tiny traces of sweet substances from great distances. Sugars provide flies with an excellent source of carbohydrate energy. Some of the sugary substances that strongly attract flies include:
- Fruit juices
- Nectar
- Honey and syrup
- Soda and other sweet drinks
- Candy
- Jams and jellies
Flies will eagerly feed on these sweet treats whenever they can access them. Spilled sodas and juices are common fly magnets. Overripe or damaged fruit also produces strong sugar-based aromas. Preventing access to sugary foods and cleaning up spills quickly can help reduce flies in your home.
Proteins
While sugars provide flies with energy, proteins give them nutrients for growth and egg production. Flies are strongly attracted to protein-rich substances, including:
- Meat and fish
- Pet food
- Cheese
- Milk
- Animal waste
- Garbage and rotting matter
Flies have a keen sense of smell that allows them to detect even trace amounts of protein. Decaying organic matter provides an abundant protein source for developing fly larvae. Cleaning pet bowls, storing food properly, and disposing of trash can help limit flies.
Moisture
Flies require water to survive. They are attracted to moist substances which they can suck or lap up. Excellent moisture sources for flies include:
- Standing water
- Leaky pipes and faucets
- Wet floors and surfaces
- Fruits and vegetables
- Sinks and drains
- Bathroom facilities
- Wet mops and rags
- Pet bowls
Flies will congregate wherever they can access moisture. Keeping areas dry and fixing leaks helps minimize fly problems. Frequently changing water bowls also reduces attraction.
Fermenting Substances
Fermenting organic matter attracts flies. As foods begin decomposing, they produce unique volatile compounds. Flies can detect the aromas associated with fermentation. Substances that ferment and attract flies include:
- Overripe fruit
- Rotting vegetables
- Compost piles
- Leftover food scraps
- Alcohol
- Beer and wine
- Vinegar
Promptly removing overripe produce reduces fly attraction. Keeping compost in closed containers and cleaning empty beer and wine bottles also helps.
Yeasts
Flies are drawn to yeasts and yeast byproducts. As yeasts break down sugars, they produce carbon dioxide and ethanol. These yeasty aromas attract flies. Excellent yeast sources include:
- Rising bread dough
- Alcohol
- Fruit
- Grains
- Nectar
Storing yeast products in air-tight containers prevents flies from detecting them. Processing and consuming yeasty foods promptly deters flies as well.
Pheromones
Flies release pheromones to attract mates and signal breeding sites. Once flies locate an area with abundant food and water, they congregate and release pheromones. Additional flies are drawn to these chemical messengers. Pheromones lead flies to sources like:
- Compost piles
- Animal manure
- Garbage cans
- Farms
- Sewers
The more flies that are present, the stronger the pheromone aggregation. Removing breeding sites and food sources first prevents fly infestations from growing out of control.
Locations That Attract Flies
Flies need food, water and breeding sites to thrive. They congregate in locations that meet these needs. Areas that commonly attract flies include:
| Location | Attractants |
|---|---|
| Kitchens | Food residues, standing water, garbage cans |
| Bathrooms | Moisture, soap scum, open drains |
| Laundry rooms | Wet clothing, pet accidents |
| Patios | Spilled drinks, pet food |
| Garages and sheds | Garbage cans, garden waste |
Being extra diligent about cleanliness and drying out these problem areas chases flies away.
Times When Flies Are Most Active
Flies become most active and aggressive in searching for food during certain times:
- Summertime – Warm weather causes flies to breed heavily and feed ravenously.
- Daytime – Flies forage most actively in daylight hours.
- Dusk – Flies feed energetically at dusk to refuel after a day of activity.
- Prior to storms – Flies sense the change in barometric pressure and seek shelter and food.
Increased vigilance with sanitation and traps during summertime and the day helps control flies. Dusk fly spraying provides added protection at peak activity times.
Summary of Fly Attractants
Flies detect and home in on a diverse array of substances. Their varied tastes and needs drive them to seek out different attractants including:
- Sugars – for energy
- Proteins – for reproduction
- Moisture – for survival
- Fermenting matter – for nutrients
- Yeasts – for food
- Pheromones – for breeding
Knowing these attractants helps you locate and eliminate fly magnets. Removing food sources, water, and breeding areas is key to fly control.
Conclusion
Flies are attracted to a diverse range of substances that meet their needs for energy, reproduction, and survival. Sugars, proteins, moisture, fermenting matter, yeasts, and pheromones draw flies in. Kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, patios, and sheds often provide ideal fly habitat. Paying attention to fly attractants and being vigilant with sanitation helps prevent infestations. With effort flies can be effectively managed for a clean and fly-free home.