Why Are There So Many House Flies This Summer?

(and what you can do about it)

As temperatures rise in North Carolina and Virginia, so does the buzz—literally. House flies are one of the most common and frustrating pests to invade homes during the summer. They’re fast, relentless, and just plain gross. But beyond being annoying, house flies can also carry harmful bacteria and contaminate food surfaces.

Let’s take a closer look at why flies are worse in the summer, what attracts them, and how VACO Pest Management can help keep your home fly-free.

Why Summer is Fly Season

House flies thrive in warm, humid environments, making the summer months their peak breeding season. A single female fly can lay over 500 eggs in her short lifetime—often in trash, rotting food, or pet waste. Those eggs hatch in less than a day, which means a small fly problem can become a big one, fast.

What Attracts House Flies?

Flies aren’t picky, but they are drawn to:

• Uncovered trash or compost

  
  

• Dirty trash cans

  
  

• Pet waste or litter boxes

  
  

• Dirty dishes or food left out

  
  

• Standing water or clogged drains

  
  

• Rotting fruit or spilled juice

Even the cleanest homes can attract flies if there are unnoticed crumbs or moisture issues.

Are House Flies Dangerous?

Yes. House flies may seem harmless, but they’re known to spread diseases like:

• Salmonella: House flies often pick up Salmonella from rotting food, garbage, or animal waste, and they can transfer it to your kitchen surfaces or food just by landing on them. Even a single fly can spread enough bacteria to make someone sick—especially young children, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems.

  
  

• E. coli: House flies can pick up E. coli from feces, decaying matter, or contaminated water, then deposit it on food prep areas or food itself—making them a hidden health hazard in your home.

  
  

• Listeria: House flies can carry Listeria from contaminated materials like spoiled food or animal waste and spread it to clean surfaces or ready-to-eat foods—posing a silent threat to your family's health.

Prevention Tips

Here are some simple ways to reduce fly activity around your home:

• Keep trash cans tightly sealed and emptied often.

• Clean trash cans regularly.

• Clean up food and drink spills immediately.

• Rinse recyclables before putting them in bins.

• Fix leaky faucets and dry out any damp areas.

• Use screens on windows and doors—and repair any tears or gaps.

When to Call VACO Pest Management

If you’ve tried the usual tricks and flies are still a problem, it’s time to bring in the pros. Our team uses targeted treatments and sanitation strategies to break the breeding cycle and keep your home protected—without the overuse of harsh chemicals.

Flies don’t have to ruin your summer. Whether you're dealing with a sudden swarm or a constant nuisance, VACO Pest Management is here to help you take back your space. We serve families across Charlotte, NC and Richmond, VA, offering reliable, responsive pest control with a local, personal touch.

Ready to swat flies for good? Contact us today for a customized pest control plan.