The name of the bottle fly derives from the shiny, metallic appearance of the fly. There are about 80 different species of bottle files. Adult bottle flies are usually between 1/8 and 5/8 inch long. The bottle fly is somewhat larger than the typical house fly.
Bottle flies, also known as blow flies, are large flies with a blue or metallic color. They create a loud buzzing sound. Bottle flies feed on decaying meat and other organic substances. They can transmit diseases and can cause myiasis, the infestation of the body by fly larvae or maggots.
A large number of bottle flies may indicate that the flies have established an indoor breeding site. This can quickly result in an infestation. Female bottle flies lay as many as 2,000 eggs. Their eggs are usually deposited in decomposing organic matter. White larvae, also known as maggots, hatch from the eggs. They are fully grown within just a few days.
Strict sanitation measures in your home are suggested to control bottle flies and to prevent an infestation. Sewer pipes should be inspected for breaks. Animal feces should be removed. Garbage storage areas should be carefully cleaned and garbage cans should equipped with tight lids. Rotting produce and other food products should be promptly removed from the house. A dead animal, perhaps hidden inside a wall or as a result of a mousetrap, can lead to problems with bottle flies.
Tightly closed windows and doors and window screens that are in good condition can help prevent bottle flies from entering a house. Cracks or openings around doors and windows should be caulked. Fly strips and aerosol insecticides can be of some use in controlling the number of flies you see, but a pest control professional should be contacted as soon as possible in case of a serious infestation.
Bottle flies are not just an annoyance. It is important to remember that bottle flies feed on garbage, sewage and animal carcasses. As a result, bottle flies may carry pathogenic bacteria that can infect the food in your home. In addition, fly larvae can infest human tissues. An infestation can sometimes even be created on unbroken skin. These infestations, called myiasis, can lead to severe irritation and pain. In extreme cases myiasis infections can be fatal.