Flies & Mosquitoes
Get Rid of Flies & Mosquitoes
Dealing with Fly Problems in your Home
Flies can be a nuisance when buzzing around the home particularly if in large numbers. However, some species of fly also pose a health risk.
In particular, house flies transmit a wide range of diseases including salmonella, dysentery, tuberculosis, cholera and parasitic worms.
In Libya, mosquitoes are less likely to spread disease than in sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, but the irritation caused by the bites can still be distressing particularly for children.
Types of Fly Problem
There are thousands of different species of fly but the most common fly problems are caused by:

- House Flies – adults 6-7mm. Female house flies lay 400-600 eggs in decaying matter or faeces which develop into maggot larvae. Attracted to any uncovered food or organic waste.

- Bluebottle (Greenbottle)– Adults 6-12mm, usually metallic blue or green but can be black or grey. Significant numbers in a house will often indicate a dead animal (such as a mouse) in the property.

- Cluster Flies - adults 6-10mm. Cluster flies often take shelter over the winter inside homes (such as in attics) and can occur in very large numbers in the home as they emerge in the spring.

- Filter Fly - adults 2mm. This fly has a grey appearance with the wings densely covered by hair. They can sometimes be mistaken for moths.

- Mosquitoes – adults 5mm. Tend to be found near still water where their larvae develop. Our guide to insect bites advises on treatment for bites.
For many species of fly including house flies and bottle flies, it is important not to attract flies with food sources or places for fly larvae to grow:
- Always cover food – flies spread diseases by landing on food before we eat it
- Clear away food and liquid spillages immediately
- Clean food debris from under kitchen appliances
- Make sure all rubbish bins have tightly sealed lids
- Keep compost enclosed and covered
- Clean up after pets – not only are faeces the perfect breeding place for flies but also somewhere a fly may land before landing on your food
Prevent flies being able to develop in standing water:
- Ensure drains are kept clear and running
- Treat drains that seem to have flies with bleach
- Ensure water gullies are not blocked
- Cover air conditioning unit catch trays with a lid
- Do not leave standing water (eg in watering cans)
- Introduce fish into garden ponds to eat fly larvae
Finally, you can help prevent flies entering your home:
- After dark, keep windows and doors closed or block out the light with curtains
- Fit fly screens to windows especially around kitchen and waste areas
There is a range of DIY products available to kill flies but an established fly problem may require professional pest control to ensure that it will not reoccur.
While DIY products can deal with smaller fly problems, a professional pest control service will be required for larger or multiple infestations.
Rentokil technicians understand the habits of each species and also have a range of powerful insecticides to deal with flies and provide the reassurance that the problem has been fully dealt with.
Rentokil Pest Control offers a call-out service to deal with fly and other pest problems in the home. Our service is fast, effective and offers the highest level of safety for your family and pets.
Call Rentokil Pest Control Libya on 021 4772 070 for further advice or to arrange a visit by a Rentokil technician.