How to Identify Flying Insects: Tennessee Fly Species Guide
Quick Facts About Flying Insects
Flying insects are among the most common pests encountered in Tennessee homes and businesses. From nuisance flies to stinging wasps, these airborne invaders can pose various threats to health and comfort, making proper identification crucial for effective control.- Size: Varies widely by species (from tiny fruit flies to large moths)
- Color: Diverse range including black, brown, metallic, and colorful depending on species
- Shape: Various body forms with wings that may be transparent, scaled, or colored
- Active Season: Many species most active during warm months
- Lifespan: Typically several days to weeks for adult flies; longer for other species
- Behavior: Flight patterns, resting habits, and attraction to specific substances vary by specie
What Do Flying Insects Look Like?
Flying insects have diverse appearances but share the common trait of wings that enable flight. Their bodies typically consist of three main sections: head, thorax, and abdomen. Wings may be transparent, scaled, colorful, or patterned depending on the species.Size ranges dramatically from tiny fruit flies measuring just a few millimeters to large moths and beetles that can span several inches. Identifying specific flying insect species requires attention to details like body shape, coloration, wing structure, and behavior.
Identifying Features: Flies And Other Common Flying Insects
House Flies
- Size: Approximately ¼ inch long
- Appearance: Gray with four dark stripes on thorax
- Wings: Single pair of transparent wings
- Behavior: Erratic flight patterns, land frequently on surfaces
- Significance: Can spread over 65 diseases through saliva and fecal matter
Fruit Flies
- Size: Very small (1/8 inch or less)
- Appearance: Tan to brownish with red eyes
- Wings: Transparent wings, much smaller than house flies
- Behavior: Hover around overripe fruit, fermented beverages
- Significance: Indicator of decaying organic matter
Wasps & Hornets
- Size: Medium to large (½ to 1+ inches)
- Appearance: Yellow and black or white and black markings
- Wings: Two pairs of transparent wings
- Behavior: Purposeful flight, less erratic than flies
- Significance: Capable of painful stings, some build paper nests
Mosquitoes
- Size: Small to medium (¼ to ½ inch)
- Appearance: Slender bodies with long legs
- Wings: Narrow, with scales on wing veins
- Behavior: Often fly in swarms, produce high-pitched buzzing
- Significance: Females bite and can transmit diseases
Moths & Butterflies
- Size: Vary from small to large
- Appearance: Moths typically dull-colored; butterflies often colorful
- Wings: Covered with scales, butterflies hold wings vertically at rest
- Behavior: Flutter rather than dart, attracted to lights (moths)
- Significance: Primarily nuisance pests as adults
Health & Property Risks
Health Concerns
Different flying insects pose various health risks:
- Disease transmission through bites or contamination (flies, mosquitoes)
- Painful stings that may cause allergic reactions (wasps, bees, hornets)
- Asthma triggers from insect parts and droppings
- Food contamination through saliva and fecal matter
- Psychological stress from persistent infestations
Property Concerns
Flying insects can impact your property in several ways:
- Staining from fecal spots (especially flies)
- Damage to fabrics and stored products from moths
- Structural damage from wood-boring beetles
- Contamination of food products
- Nuisance to customers in commercial settings
Where to Look for Bostrichidae in Your Home
Different flying insects prefer specific environments within homes:Kitchen Areas
- Check around fruit bowls and produce for fruit flies
- Inspect garbage cans for house flies
- Look near drains for drain flies
- Check pet food areas for various fly species
Damp Areas
- Bathrooms, especially around drains
- Basements with excess moisture
- Laundry areas with standing water
- Indoor plants with wet soil
Light Sources
- Windows where insects may gather
- Light fixtures that attract night-flying insects
- Porch lights that draw insects from outside
- Screens that may have tears allowing entry
Food Storage Areas
- Pantries for stored product pests
- Areas with spilled food or drinks
- Pet food storage locations
- Recycling bins with food residue
When to Call Professional Help
Professional intervention becomes necessary when:- You cannot identify the flying insect species despite attempts
- DIY control methods have failed to eliminate the problem
- The infestation is large or affects multiple areas of your home
- You’re experiencing health issues potentially related to the infestation
- You need targeted treatments specific to the flying insect species
