Identify & Learn More About Flies & Moths
Low to Moderate Risk
Flying nuisance pests that contaminate food, spread disease, and damage fabrics while being attracted to lights and organic matter
Call Athena Pest Control Immediately if:
You notice dozens of flies emerging from drains or garbage areas
You find maggots in food storage areas or pet food
Moths are damaging clothing, carpets, or stored food products
Identification Guide
Size
1/8 inch to 1/2 inch long
Key Features
Two wings (flies), four wings (moths), compound eyes, antennae, soft bodies
Common Species
House Flies
Gray-black, red eyes, attracted to garbage and organic matter
Flesh Flies
Grey with three black stripes behind their head, checkered abdomen, attracted to waste, and rot
Fruit Flies
Tiny, tan/brown, hover around overripe fruit and drains
Drain Flies
Small, tan/brown or black, fuzzy hair covered wings, attracted to moist areas
Casemaking Clothes Moths
Small, golden, larvae feed on natural fibers like wool and silk
Indian Meal Moths
Gray/brown wings, larvae infest stored grains and dry goods
Where You'll Find Scorpions
Around fruit bowls, garbage disposals, recycling bins, pet food dishes, compost containers
Closets with wool clothing, pantries with dry goods, basements, attics, linen closets
Flying adults, larvae in food products, holes in clothing, webbing in stored items, sticky traps full
Drain pipes, garbage cans, behind appliances, in pet areas, dark closets, food packaging
Fly & Moth Prevention Tips
Clean up spills immediately, dispose of garbage regularly, keep drains clean, wash dishes promptly
Store dry goods in sealed containers, refrigerate ripe fruit, check expiration dates, rotate stock
Clean clothes before storage, use cedar blocks, vacuum regularly, store in sealed containers
Clean garbage disposals, fix moisture problems, remove organic debris, maintain compost properly
Health & Property Risks
Disease Transmission
House flies spread bacteria including Salmonella, E. coli, and cholera
Food Contamination
Flies regurgitate on food surfaces and leave bacteria-laden footprints
Property Damage
Moth larvae destroy clothing, carpets, upholstery, and stored textiles
Seasonal Activity
Activity peaks during warm months with some species active year-round indoors:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak Season
April through October when temperatures support rapid reproduction and outdoor breeding
Treatment Difficulty
DIY Effectiveness: ⭐⭐ (Low to Moderate) – Sticky traps and sprays provide temporary relief but don’t address breeding sources
Why Professional Treatment is Essential: Effective control requires identifying and eliminating breeding sites, using targeted treatments for different species, and implementing integrated pest management approaches. Many infestations have hidden sources that require professional detection.
Expected Timeline: 1-3 weeks for significant reduction, depending on species and breeding site elimination
Scorpion Myth Busters
Myth: Flies and moths are just minor nuisances
Truth: They can spread serious diseases and cause significant property damage
Myth: Moths only eat clothes
Truth: Different moth species attack stored food, carpets, and various organic materials
Myth: All flies are the same
Truth: Different fly species require different treatment approaches and have varying health risks
