Proper chimney maintenance will keep blow flies away
Nov 09, 2007
BLOW flies are members of the calliphoridae family of flies. They are often metallic in appearance. The name blow-fly comes from an older English term for meat that had eggs laid on it, which was said to be fly-blown. Blow flies are usually the first insects to come into contact with a dead animal.
BLOW flies are members of the calliphoridae family of flies. They are often metallic in appearance. The name blow-fly comes from an older English term for meat that had eggs laid on it, which was said to be fly-blown. Blow flies are usually the first insects to come into contact with a dead animal.
Knowing that you have an infestation, you will find large numbers of maggots crawling across the floor or oval-shaped pupae under a rug close to a fireplace. They are attracted to decaying meat for egg-laying. A bat or bird can decay in a chimney after getting trapped there.
The maggots complete development in the decaying flesh, then seek a dry place to pupate. Maggots may wander out into the living area of a house and cause concern to home-owners.
Control measure
There is really no need for alarm or extensive control of these insects. The pupae and larvae can be picked up and discarded. The real concern should be for the cause of the problem. Check the chimney of your fireplace. A blocked chimney can cause more damage than a few maggots or pupae on the floor.
Knowing that you have an infestation, you will find large numbers of maggots crawling across the floor or oval-shaped pupae under a rug close to a fireplace. They are attracted to decaying meat for egg-laying. A bat or bird can decay in a chimney after getting trapped there.
The maggots complete development in the decaying flesh, then seek a dry place to pupate. Maggots may wander out into the living area of a house and cause concern to home-owners.
Control measure
There is really no need for alarm or extensive control of these insects. The pupae and larvae can be picked up and discarded. The real concern should be for the cause of the problem. Check the chimney of your fireplace. A blocked chimney can cause more damage than a few maggots or pupae on the floor.