Flies continue to bug locals — experts offer tips to keep homes pest free

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) Growing concerns have been buzzing around about the fly population in Yuma.

Laura Rosenwald, entomologist with NPMA, said, “A lot of their activity is going to be based on activity they're going to be looking for food sources, water sources, shelter sources, and unfortunately a lot of those can be found in your own homes.”

Taking simple steps now by reducing these conditions can help keep annoying pests out of your home.

Rosenwald advised, “Making sure that you're assessing your home that there aren't any open doors or windows for these pests to come waltzing in but also doing a couple things like making sure your vegetation is cut back, eliminating any standing water sources because they don't need a lot of water in order to maximize their life potential but that you're calling local pest management professionals.”

Although there are steps residents can take to reduce the problem, there's still the looming question: where did these flies come from?

Yuma County Supervisor Jonathan Lines posted on Facebook last week sharing a University of Arizona study from 2017. The study noted that in that year the frost that typically kills off fly populations did not happen, leaving thousands of acres of vegetables deteriorating in fields due to warm temperatures. This combination of factors created an ideal breeding ground for flies similar to conditions experienced this past season.

Steve Rodriguez of Yuma Pest Control explained, “Due to the fact that usually the cold weather will reduce growth and population of insects when you have warmer weather they are going to be more active.”

The warmer winter months played a big role in the population growth, but solid waste in Yuma also contributes to the issue.

“I believe that solid waste always has a contributing factor to the fly issue. There are many more things that can contribute due to peoples homes, keeping filth and debris around from different things, trash can sanitation type stuff, but solid waste definitely is going to be a huge issue when it comes to flies,” Rodriguez said.

Although the source of where the flies are coming from is unclear at this time, there are still ways to keep the fly problem from impacting your life at home.