Jackson County Vector Control District

Fly Control

The District's fly control program emphasizes the use of non-toxic bottle traps that use bait made by the District. The bait has a very strong odor and attracts a variety of fly species that become trapped inside a gallon plastic jug. Each trap can hold thousands of flies and is reusable. The traps and bait are given out to the public free of charge for the first trap per household. This method of control offers the public an alternative to the use of the insecticides normally used for fly control.

There are some instances where chemicals are the preferred choice. The Face Fly (Musca autumnalis), enters homes in the Fall, living in wall voids and attic spaces, and then when the weather warms in the Spring, leaves its resting place to start the breeding cycle once again. If a barrier treatment is made around the doors and windows or on the walls where the flies are entering the building, the flies avoid the structure entirely. This type of treatment has been used effectively for a number of years by the District and will continue to be a useful tool. Treatments for this type of fly problem are limited to the months of April and September.