Tiny Phorid Flies in Florida: What to Know

What tiny creature can bring down even the mightiest ant? Tiny phorid flies are an issue in Florida. They thrive in damp, decaying environments like drains and food waste, where they quickly multiply and become hard to control.

Keep reading to learn more about phorid flies and how to tackle these tricky pests.

Key Takeaways

• Tiny phorid flies, also called coffin flies, are small, humpbacked insects that live indoors in moist spots and outdoors near decaying matter.
• These flies move in a jerky, scuttling way and can spread harmful bacteria, which makes them more than just annoying.
• Phorid flies differ from fruit flies and fungus gnats because of their arched thorax and love for decaying organic matter.
• To control them, remove decaying material, clean drains, set up traps, or call a pest control expert if the problem continues.

What Are Tiny Phorid Flies?

Tiny phorid flies, or coffin flies, are often confused with other small flies like fruit flies or fungus gnats. Recognizable by their unique humpbacked appearance, they are commonly found in various environments.

Physical Features

Identifying tiny phorid flies involves noticing their distinct characteristics. These small flies, often called humpbacked flies, have an arched thorax, giving them a humpbacked appearance. Their size ranges from 0.02-0.2 inches.

These flies usually appear dark brown and have red eyes. Their translucent wings often appear slightly veined. But, they are not strong fliers and tend to scuttle around rather than fly for long distances.

Behavioral Patterns

Scuttle flies, another common name for tiny phorid flies, are unique because of their walking behavior. Unlike most flies that take off immediately, phorid flies scuttle rapidly in a jerky, unpredictable pattern before they fly.

This erratic movement is distinct and helps differentiate them from other small flies. Also, adult phorid flies are known for being persistent, returning to the same spot even after being disturbed.

They exhibit parasitic behavior, particularly against certain species of ants, like fire ants, where female phorid flies lay eggs inside the ant’s body. As the larvae develop, they feed on and eventually kill the ant, gradually weakening the ant colony.

Common Habitat

In Florida, tiny phorid flies live both inside and outside homes. Inside, they typically linger in moist, hidden corners such as basements, crawl spaces, and behind refrigerators. These spots often provide shelter and food sources.

Outside, they gather around garbage cans and drain pipes. These areas provide breeding grounds for breeding and laying eggs, continuing their life cycle. Decomposing organic materials in gardens can also attract them.

How Do Phorid Flies Differ From Other Flying Pests?

When comparing tiny phorid flies with other common flying insects like fruit flies, drain flies, or fungus gnats, distinct differences emerge.

Here are some of the main differences between this fly species and other pests:

Are Tiny Phorid Flies Dangerous?

While tiny phorid flies are primarily nuisance pests, they can be vectors for disease-causing agents. Don’t underestimate their capacity to transport pathogens. In urban areas, they can pick up bacteria from feces and food waste.

One example is Salmonella, a harmful bacterium that can cause foodborne illness in humans. They can transfer this pathogen onto surfaces or food, contaminating kitchens or food preparation areas.

These flies also invade spaces like hospitals, making them more than a minor inconvenience. Their presence can contaminate sterile environments, spreading harmful pathogens like Pseudomonas and Enterobacter.

How to Get Rid of Phorid Flies

Dealing with tiny phorid flies can be challenging for homeowners in Florida. Here are some practical tips to help get rid of them effectively.

• Check for any area with decaying organic matter. This could be in drains, garbage disposals, or hidden under appliances.
• Use bleach and hot water to disinfect drains and pipes regularly. This will help remove build-up where phorid fly larvae might thrive.
• Set up sticky traps near affected areas to catch adult flies. These traps can serve as a good indicator of the extent of the infestation.
• Consider using specially designed fly traps to attract and capture the adult flies more efficiently.

If the phorid fly infestation seems out of hand, contacting a pest control expert can provide professional help.

When to Call Tiny Phorid Fly Control

Tiny phorid flies can become quite a nuisance in homes. If swarms persist despite thorough cleaning, it might be best to call pest control experts.

Professional pest control companies (like us at Native Pest Management) have access to more effective and targeted treatments. Our exterminators can locate hidden breeding sites, such as dead animals within walls, that might be overlooked.