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Pest Management Priducts Division of CSPA
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In years past, the fly swatter was the consumer's primary if not very sanitary weapon against houseflies. Effective management of housefly populations today however, involves effort in a number of areas.
Fly breeding habitats should be limited by minimizing exposed garbage and pet excrement. Adult flies can be excluded from structures by proper building design and the use of tight fitting screening on all windows and doors.
Cleanliness overall is an important part of controlling houseflies, particularly because of their filth disseminating habits. Household cleaning products help maintain a clean home that will discourage flies.
Many insecticidal products are available for combating houseflies, including flying insect killers in aerosol and liquid form and various fly strips and traps. The sprays include direct contact (knockdown) products; spatial controls that when sprayed in the air allow the active ingredient to permeate all areas of the room and search out flies in their hiding places; and residual sprays that leave the insecticide behind to kill other flies. Aerosol delivery makes the spray particles just the right size to be effective with the least amount of active ingredient for effectiveness. Other mechanical means include light traps and electrically charged devices ("zappers") that can reduce the numbers of adults in localized areas.