Phorid Fly (Flies of the family Phoridae)
The Phorid Fly is a common pest in homes, restaurants, bars, industrial kitchens, and even restrooms because this insect feeds and thrives in the organic material (gunk) that builds in pipes, drains, and food sources such as fruits and vegetables.
To get control of these phorid fly infestations you must locate the food source and either clean it or remove it. Easy-to-use Fruit and Phorid Fly traps can alert you to the presence of the infestation.
Fruit and Phorid Fly Traps
Phorid Fly Description
Adults: Adults are 3 mm (0.125 inches) long. Also called "humpback flies" or "scuttle flies" or "coffin flies". Phorid flies resemble biting blackflies because of their humpbacked appearance and small head, however, they do not bite. Typically tan to dark brown with a humpback or severely arched thorax from the side. They have dark-colored eyes and their wings have 2 heavily sclerotized veins toward the leading edge while the remainder of the veins are lighter in appearance and not connected.
Eggs: 0.02 inch (0.5 mm)
The Life Cycle of the Phorid Fly
The reproductive potential of fruit flies is quite high. Females can lay upwards of 500 eggs in her lifetime and the entire life cycle, from egg to adult, can be completed in about 25 days in warm temperatures. '
Eggs are laid directly on moist food sources and under average room temperature, the eggs hatch into larvae within a day or two. Larvae grow for about 1 - 2 weeks, crawling to a dry area to pupate, followed by a pupation period of 1 - 2 weeks. Pupae have respiratory horns that allow the pupae to breathe even when slightly submerged.
Adults only live for a few days unless relative humidity levels are above 70% where they can live up to 9 days.
Phorid Fly Damage & Detection
Phorid flies are serious pests in all types of food manufacturing facilities. They feed primarily on moist, decaying, organic food items including dead animals, broken sewer lines, residue in trash cans and in the slime in drains.
Infestations can be identified by numerous adult insects flying around a food source or from the maggots infesting decaying food. In heavy infestations, pupae can be found some distance from the food source when the larvae migrate away to find a dry, dark, and safe place to pupate. Fruit fly/Phorid fly traps can be helpful in early detection and management of phorid fly populations.
Phorid Fly Facts
Similar species include fruit flies (Drosophila) and fungus gnats (Sciaroidea)
Phorid flies initiate flight at temperatures above 15°C (60°F).
Phorid flies play a big role as post-mortem indicators in forensic entomology
Phorid Fly Monitoring Tips & Tricks
Lure: Red liquid concentrates specifically tested and designed to attract adult Phorid Flies.
Trap Storage: Keep unopened bottles of fruit and phorid fly traps in cool storage less than 16°C (60°F) or place in freezer for extended storage. Lures can remain frozen for up to 24 months or at room temperature for 12 months to retain their full effectiveness for use afterwards.
Trap Designs used with Lure: 15 ml bottle with a screw on cap. Liquid is included with each bottle and the devices are ready to use.
Trap Placement Techniques: Liquid food attractants can be placed year-round but are especially recommended during warmer months when temperatures exceed 12.5°C (55°F). Liquid food attractant traps like the GreenWay Fruit and Phorid Fly Trap are most effective at capturing fruit flies. In areas such as a kitchen or home, place one or two traps per room.
In commercial areas, such as warehouses or retail stores, place liquid food attractants 7.5–15 m (25–50 feet) apart to determine the presence or absence of fruit flies. Increase liquid food attractant density to 4.5–7.5 m (15 – 25 feet) apart to help locate source of fruit flies. Fruit and Phorid fly liquid food attractants are best utilized in areas that store canned foods, fruit, vegetables, beverages, and areas that prepare food.
Trap and Lure Maintenance: Replace fruit and phorid fly traps when bottle is filled with insects or dries out. Record date and number of catches to identify trending information.
Take this information about Phorid Flies with you
Phorid Fly Traps
Phorid Fly FAQs
Where do Phorid Flies come from?
You walk into your kitchen and you see phorid flies everywhere. Where do they come from? Phorid flies typically travel from one spoiled piece of fruit or vegetation to the next. They are readily found in the wild but will seek out the odors associated with the spoilage of fruit and produce.
Many times, they are brought into a home along with the purchased fruit or vegetables that were obtained at the grocery store. Their relatively short life cycle of 18 days from egg to adult means that the minute eggs on the produce that you buy goes unnoticed and within a few days there is a hatch out of adults in your kitchen.
What do Phorid flies look like?
Adult Phorid Flies: Adults are 3 mm (0.125 inches) long. Also called "humpback flies" or "scuttle flies" or "coffin flies". Phorid flies resemble biting blackflies because of their humpbacked appearance and small head, however, they do not bite. Typically tan to dark brown in color with a humpback or severely arched thorax from the side. They have dark colored eyes and their wings have 2 heavily sclerotized veins toward the leading edge while the remainder of the veins are lighter in appearance and not connected.
Phorid Fly Eggs: 0.5 mm (0.02 inches) long and can’t be seen by the naked eye. They are yellow in color and similar in shape to a grain of rice but much, much smaller.
How do I get rid of phorid flies?
The removal of infested produce combined with increased sanitation practices can generally help rid you of phorid flies. Any questionable fruit or produce should be bagged up and disposed of. Refrigeration of non-spoiled produce will slow or stop the development of fruit flies on those materials.
Residual liquids or food in recycling storage bins is often a source of the flies. All materials to be recycled should be thoroughly rinsed out and removed at least once each week to prevent fruit fly populations from developing there. Trash bins should be washed out regularly with warm, soapy water to remove food and liquid residues that allow the propagation of the fruit flies.
Fly populations can be monitored using food-based fruit and phorid fly traps sold through Insects Limited. These traps will let you know when phorid flies are present and will remove both males and females from the environment.
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