Green, blue and gray meat flies: the benefits and harms of winged scavengers

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The blue fly is a type of blowfly. This name may confuse many, but it is quite reasonable: it lays larvae that people use as food and feed for fish (these are the so-called maggots), and the insects themselves feed on rotting meat. Representatives of this species may also have a different shade: gray or green.

What does a meat (carrion) fly look like

Outwardly, the blowfly practically does not differ from its indoor relative, but there are some nuances.

Meat fly: photo.

Outwardly, male and female individuals practically do not differ except for the location of the eyes: in males they are set close to each other, in females they are separated by the forehead.

adult blowfly
The body length of an adult varies from 2 to 25 mm. According to the structure of the body, it practically does not differ from the usual housefly. Coloration can be black, green, gray or blue, often with dark stripes or a checkered pattern. The body is covered with short hairs. The head is large, it has large facet-type eyes. The wings are transparent, darkened at the base and ends.
Larva of the meatfly
Insect larvae reach a size of only a couple of millimeters. They differ from other insects in the presence of a respiratory notch, which looks like a cup. This structure of the respiratory system allows the larva to dive into meat or liquids without fear of suffocation, since its rear part is always in the air.

Life cycle and reproduction of blowflies

The insect is viviparous and produces live larvae, which gives the species an advantage over many others.

One female is able to reproduce about 20 thousand larvae, which she lays in small groups in the meat.

At the same time, it is enough for her to even lightly touch the surface so that the larvae begin to crawl around the perimeter and bite into the meat. After 7-9 days, the larvae are ready to pupate, for this they choose warm, dry places. The pupal stage lasts only 3 days. Adults emerging from the cocoon are ready for reproduction.

Gray blowfly and interesting facts about it

Lifestyle and diet of blowflies

The larvae develop on animal corpses and feces, and feed on the same. Adults use liquids of decomposing substances of animal origin, mucous secretions of animals and humans, and in some cases rotting fruits and vegetables as food.
The place where the larvae have penetrated is very easy to detect: when they bite, the pests secrete a special enzyme, under the influence of which the meat begins to secrete juice, which serves as food for the pests, while at the place where the fly feeds, the product begins to decompose very quickly.
In some cases, maggots also eat living creatures, eating insect larvae - caterpillars, snails, grasshoppers. After the larvae are sufficiently fattened, they penetrate underground, where they pupate. Next, the pests begin a hibernation period, which lasts several months.
An adult fly can easily get out of the ground, although the structure of its body at first glance does not allow it to do so. However, scientists have found that the insect breaks the soil with the help of a special frontal bladder, which, if inflated, increases in size several times.

Where blue, gray and green flies meet

The pest is widespread throughout the planet and occurs in almost all zoogeographic areas. The insect is unpretentious to habitats and, if necessary, is able to fly over long distances. Most often, the need to find a suitable place for the birth of offspring pushes her to a long-distance flight.

Different types of blowflies live in different conditions, but most of them prefer waterlogged areas of land, where many trees and shrubs grow.

Blow flies are found everywhere. It can be seen in a wide variety of places: near landfills, cesspools, garbage dumps, and so on.

Features of different types of blowflies

As mentioned above, green, gray and blue flies are the most common. Each of the varieties has its own characteristics.

green fly
The color of the insect is greenish, with a metallic sheen, the abdomen is slightly lighter. The body length can vary from 5 to 10 mm. The limbs are black, the tentacles are yellowish. It has a high thermophilicity, therefore it is most often found in hot summers and in southern latitudes.
gray fly
The head is large, white-yellow in color, divided by a black stripe in the middle. On the chest there are noticeable light stripes located longitudinally. The legs are densely covered with black hairs. Gray blowflies are not inclined to visit human dwellings - this happens only in cases where they have something to profit from there. 
blue fly
The color of such individuals is blue, with a lightish tint. The flies are quite large - their body length reaches 16 mm. The chest is black with iridescent tint. The head is large, painted in golden-red color, short antennae are located on the sides. When flying, it makes a very loud sound, which in intensity can be compared with the buzzing of a bee. Representatives of this species lay larvae, which are so valued by anglers.

The role of blowflies in ecology

Blow flies are called orderlies of nature. Since for the most part they feed on carrion, as a result of their vital activity, rotting flesh and decaying organic remains are destroyed, thereby reducing environmental pollution.

What is dangerous for a person gray, blue and green fly

The insect poses a huge danger to humans due to the peculiarities of its lifestyle. Flies are carriers of a huge number of infectious diseases.

Among them:

  • dysentery;
  • tuberculosis;
  • leprosy;
  • salmonellosis.

However, it should be noted that infection is possible only if the virus enters the mucous membranes or inside the body, i.e. most often this occurs due to non-observance of personal hygiene rules. The danger is also connected with the fact that infection is possible not only from the insect itself, but also from the food it has touched, and as you know, flies love to sit on human food.

Fly pests...
Terrible, you need to kill everyone Start with cleanliness

How to deal with blue, green and gray blowflies

The fastest way to get rid of dangerous parasites is to use special insecticide chemicals. The most popular of them are described below.

Aerosols

The drugs are available in spray cans. They are very easy to use and deadly for insects, however, when using them, extreme care must be taken: use personal protective equipment and do not stay in the treated room for several hours.

The most effective aerosols against blowflies are selected in the ranking.

1
Dr.Klaus
8.6
/
10
Details
2
Hunter
9.2
/
10
Details
3
Dichlorvos
9.1
/
10
Details
Dr.Klaus
1
The main active ingredient is cypermethrin.
Expert rating:
8.6
/
10

Suitable for pest control both indoors and outdoors.

pros
  • high efficiency; rnrelatively safe for humans; rnacts instantly.
Cons
  • high price.
Hunter
2
The main active ingredient is permethrin.
Expert rating:
9.2
/
10

Broad spectrum agent.

pros
  • effective against various types of insects;
Cons
  • sharp, unpleasant odor;
  • high price.
Dichlorvos
3
Versatile, proven insecticide
Expert rating:
9.1
/
10

You can process the room inside and outside. Modern dichlorvos does not have an unpleasant odor.

pros
  • affordable price;
  • there is no need for re-treatment, as a protective film forms on the surfaces;
  • sold at any hardware store.
Cons
  • after processing, the room must be ventilated;
  • when working, it is necessary to use personal protective equipment.

Fumigators

They are devices that, with the help of insignificant currents, evaporate substances toxic to insects, due to the impact of which they die.

The most common brands of fumigators are Mosquitol, Raptor, Reid. All of them have approximately the same efficiency and properties.

Fumigators from flies.

Insecticide baits

Such drugs are used when it is not possible to use aerosols. Baits are most often available in the form of powder or granules, which should be scattered in places where insects accumulate, or dissolved in water and sprayed on such areas.

The most popular insecticidal baits are lower in the ranking.

1
Agita
8.6
/
10
Details
2
Fly Byte
8.1
/
10
Details
Agita
1
Available in the form of a powder, which is used to prepare a working solution.
Expert rating:
8.6
/
10

The resulting liquid is sprayed on the places of accumulation of flies or applied with a cloth or brush.

pros
  • you can choose the processing method yourself;
  • relatively low toxicity;
  • fast action - the death of insects occurs within 3-5 minutes.
Cons
  • high consumption;
  • high price.
Fly Byte
2
Produced in the form of granules
Expert rating:
8.1
/
10

The drug should be laid out on substrates and placed in places with a large accumulation of flies.

pros
  • after laying out, it remains effective for 2-3 months;
  • the bitter component in the composition prevents absorption by other objects;
  • wide range of applications.
Cons
  • not identified.

Concentrates

Concentrates are a liquid that must be diluted in water to obtain a working solution.

1
Medilis Ziper
9.6
/
10
Details
2
Executioner
9.4
/
10
Details
Medilis Ziper
1
The main active ingredient is cypermethrin.
Expert rating:
9.6
/
10

Initially, the drug was used to kill ticks, but it showed high efficiency in the fight against flying pests.

pros
  • affordable price;
  • high efficiency;
  • a wide range of activities.
Cons
  • possible development of resistance in pests;
  • high toxicity.
Executioner
2
A very popular remedy with a wide spectrum of action.
Expert rating:
9.4
/
10

The release form is a small, compact bottle.

pros
  • low price;
  • high efficiency against various types of insects.
Cons
  • very toxic.

Crayons

One of the most common and affordable means for the destruction of pests of various types. As part of antiparasitic crayons contain a poison of contact action. To get rid of flies, it is necessary to process the doorways, windows and walls with chalk. A short time after contact with the preparation, the fly dies.

All crayons have similar characteristics, the same principle of operation and differ little in price. The most popular is the "Mashenka" crayon.

Prevention of the appearance of carrion flies

In order to prevent the appearance of a dangerous parasite in the home and not to resort to the help of dangerous insecticides, it is recommended to use a number of preventive measures:

  • protection of windows with special mosquito nets (this is especially true in the warm season);
  • timely cleaning of waste and debris that may attract the attention of scavengers;
  • if larvae are found in the breeding grounds of flies, it is necessary to immediately treat them with chemicals;
  • strict adherence to hygiene rules, frequent hand washing;
  • store all food in sealed packaging or in the refrigerator;
  • timely cleaning of cesspools and disposal of liquid waste;
  • disposal of carcasses of dead animals and birds.

Breeding blue blowfly maggots

The maggots of the blowfly are used to feed fish. This is especially true for fishermen - this bait is considered the most effective. Maggots are grown on an industrial scale, but they can also be bred at home. To do this, first of all you need a maggot.
It can be made from a simple plastic bottle by cutting it in half. Unscrew the cork from the top, and then turn it upside down. Fill the bottom of the bottle with sawdust, and place fly bait in the top - any "fragrant" food, such as meat or fish. In warm weather, prepared maggots should be placed outside.
The smell of the bait will attract scavengers and they will start laying eggs in the bottle. The larvae that appear will fall through the neck and fall into sawdust. Thus, their unpleasant odor will be slightly neutralized. However, it should be understood that a specific smell will be present in any case. For this reason, many prefer to breed maggots in a separate room.

For successful breeding, you will need to create the necessary conditions:

  • dark place;
  • humidity about 50%;
  • temperature 20-25 degrees.

Do not allow maggots to get direct sunlight. You can feed them absolutely any food, but the quality of the larvae also depends on its quality. If possible, it is better to give preference to meat products and eggs. Grown maggots should be carefully sieved, placed in a container with moistened sawdust and stored in the refrigerator for no more than 4 weeks.

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