Getting Rid of a Face Fly Infestation

Face fly problems in structures can be partially prevented, but little can be done after the fall. All of those currently found within the home had infiltrated walls months ago.

A "mini-vac" is the best control of the individual Face Flies that are currently present.

Begin searching for resting sites on the southern and western sides of the building. In fall and winter, these walls receive the most sun and are usually the warmest parts of the building. These Face flies are attracted to these warm areas when searching for protective wintertime harborage.

Mechanical Removal

A "mini-vac" is the best control of the individual Face Flies currently present to clear Face flies from attics, false ceilings, crawlspaces, and affected living spaces.

Fly Light Traps

You can install a fly light trap in areas that they are hibernating (in particular attics and false ceilings) to capture them when they awaken out of hibernation. Electronic fly traps for residential and commercial use can be found at Fly Control Products.

Insecticide Usage

Spray the building's outside walls where face flies are likely to land and rest before entering the building. Pay attention to the southern and western sides of the structure.
Late August and early September are the times to use good residual sprays such as LambdaStar Ultra Cap 9.7 or Cyper WSP. LambdaStar UltraCap 9.7 will not leave a visible residue as Cyper WSP. Spray these residual insecticides outside around window frames, door frames, soffits, and eaves as well as any other areas that are vulnerable to entry.
Also recommended would be dust, such as  D-Fense Dust, dusted into cracks that have not been sealed, allowing the dust to flow back into the void areas. Thoroughly caulking all exterior cracks on the sun-exposed sides (south and west) is very important. If this is not successful, an aerosol like Stryker 54 pyrethrum contact aerosol can be used. Spray lightly and repeat spray as needed.

Pour Ons for Livestock

Martin's Fly-Ban Synergized Pour On is a ready to use application for control of flies, lice, gnats, keds, and other pests on horses, beef and dairy cows, sheep, and lambs

Face Fly Identification

The identity of the Face Fly is sometimes confused with the House Fly. The face fly is larger and darker in color when comparing both the house fly and face fly.

Timing: Face flies are normally seen outdoors from spring to fall when the temperature is around 60°F.

Size: The adults are about 1/4 inch in length, and they look similar to a house fly.

Color: Their color is a dull gray.

Face Fly Inspection

• Female face flies tend to cluster in large numbers around the face of cattle and horses.

• Adults can also be found around bushes, tall grass, weeds, and fence posts.

• In the winter, adults seek shelter in such places as attics, wall voids, and basements.

• Face flies can be found on cattle farms since they develop in fresh manure.

• Any structures close to farms, barns, ranches, stockyards can be infested.

Biology and Habits of Face Flies

Females lay their eggs in cow droppings that are new and undisturbed during the summer months.

The lifecycle of the face fly is about 14-21 days long. 

1. Eggs: Females lay their eggs in cow droppings that are new and undisturbed during the summer months. The eggs can number from 30 - 230 and hatch in 10 - 23 days.
2. Larvae: The larvae are yellow like and live in the manure until they pupate in the soil. The larvae develop right under the crust of dry manure.
3. Pupae: After the larvae mature, they develop into pupae in the manure piles.
4. Adults: After the pupae develop, the adults emerge from the soil

• Although the preferred food of choice for the Face Fly is the mucus and the watery secretions around the eyes, nose, and mouth of cattle and horses in the summer months.
• Face flies can serve as vectors of parasites and eye diseases like pinkeye and eyeworms to livestock. They will also feed on blood, flower nectar, and dung fluid.
• These flies can be a troublesome pests for horses and cattle. They will cluster around the animal's eyes, mouth and muzzle causing annoyance. This annoyance can reduce feed consumption, causing less weight and milk production.

Face Fly Control Products