F@stSheet Ent-1015

Soldier Flies IN THIS F@STSHEET IDENTIFICATION DAMAGE CONTROL FOR MORE INFORMATION

The most common species of soldier fly, Hermetia illucens, is commonly considered a filth fly because of its habit of breeding in manure and garbage. However, the feeding habits of this insect are not easy to classify.

The immature (larval or maggot) stage of the soldier fly feeds on decaying organic material including manure and very moist, rotting vegetable matter. In manure piles these insects are sometimes considered beneficial because they prey on other insects, like house flies. Occasionally, they infest animal carcasses, and they are commonly found in and around compost piles. Infestations in homes sometimes occur after a bee's nest has been exterminated in a wall or other inaccessible site. This is because soldier fly larvae are one of several insects that may scavage waste materials in bee combs.

IDENTIFICATION
Soldier flies are most commonly seen during their pre-pupal stage. Pre-pupal larvae are fully grown immatures that have stopped feeding and begun a wandering behavior before pupation (the process of changing into an adult, or in this case the fly, form). During this wandering phase, larvae may travel several yards from the breeding site, and may be seen wriggling along a floor, patio, or fireplace hearth. Soldier fly larvae are about one inch-long, legless, dark brown in color, and flattened. The "skin" is has a distinctive, leathery texture. Soldier fly larvae are also remarkably tough. They are able to survive for weeks in a jar with no food or water.

The adult stage of the most common species of soldier fly is about 3/4 inch-long and black, with a translucent segment on the tail, or abdomen. Adult flies are rather sluggish until induced to fly. They may be attracted to light, but do not seem attracted to food.

DAMAGE
Soldier flies are harmless to people, and serve a beneficial role in helping decompose garbage and filth. In some places they even help control more noxious insect pests, like house flies. However, their presence in a home is usually undesirable and may be a symptom of an unsanitary situation.

Poorly maintained compost piles; spilled, wet grain; or other decaying vegetable material may provide breeding sites for soldier flies. A dead bird or rodent in an attic or chimney may also be the reason for soldier fly or blow fly infestations. Bee nests that have been allowed to live in a wall void or eave of a home can also be a source of these pests.

CONTROL
The best control is to locate and eliminate the soldier fly's breeding source. The larvae themselves are harmless and can be picked up by hand, or with a tissue, and discarded. Adult soldier flies can be killed with a fly swatter. If flies become numerous, an aerosol insect spray containing pyrethrins will readily kill the adults.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
For more information about indoor fly problems and their control, request publication L-2089, Fly control around the house.

Publication information:
This publication is part of the House & Landscape Pest Series produced by the Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2475. The most recent update can be found at: [FrontPage Substitution Component] . Series Editor: M. Merchant. For more information about arthropods, check out the Texas A&M Entomology Website at http://insects.tamu.edu
Last Revised: 05/12/2003