Identification, Breeding Sites and Management Small Flies Andy Maganga andy.maganga@rentokil.com Identification, Breeding Sites and Management

Objective By the end of the session, participants will- Have a better understanding of important biological features of common species of small flies, In order to- Develop better small fly management programs for their clients through identification of breeding sites, improved communication and more targeted control methods.

Significance of Small Flies Are they a real or perceived threat to food safety? Health Department Involvement and client auditors? Nuisance status? Defacing fixtures Cost of inspection(s) and control programs

The main culprits Fruit/vinegar Fly (1) (2) Fungus gnat (4) Dark-eyed Fruit Fly (3) Moth (Drain) Fly

Comparative Biological Features of Key Species # of Eggs # of Days Egg to Adult Adult Longevity (Weeks) Comments  500 8 - 10 40 - 50 Newly-emerged adults attracted to light. High reproductive rate 30 - 100 7-28 2 Attracted to Light Egg & Larvae in slime 1.6 Km wind travel Up to 300 17 10 Feed on soil fungi e.g. overwatered soil Source may be indoor/outdoor plants

Distinguishing Phorid from Dark Red-eyed Fruit Flies Drosophilidae Phoridae

Biologicial features of Phorid flies 3.5 mm in length Female lay 77-535 egg in her life time (9-12 eggs/day) Egg to Adult in 21 – 28 days Breed in decaying organic matter of plant or animal origin (coffin fly) Basically, they breed in material very similar to dark-eyed FF. More problematic in sewage infested soil and leaking drains. Check using a masking tape over drains or floor cracks.

Spotted-wing Drosophila (SWD) Why is it different from common vinegar fly? D. suzukii introduced to California in 2008. First identified in BC in 2009. SWD females inject eggs in ripe fruit just before harvest. Strawberries, Blackberries, grapes, cherry, peach,Cherry tomatoes 384 egg per female, Egg to Adult in 8.5 days at 250C. Adults live 105 d at 100C Implications for Urban pest control?

Seasonal Trends of Small Flies

Seasonal Trends of SWD

Differences in Breeding Habits Fruit flies prefer comparatively the least decomposed material (rotting fruit, fruit peels, discarded fruit, compost bins, recycling bins etc.) Dark-eyed fruit flies and Phorid flies prefer moderately decomposed material Moth (drain) flies and fungus gnats prefer more decomposed (darker) organic material. However, fungus gnats require soil.

Why is it important to identify breeding sites with certainty? The 20:80 rule Control is easier once breeding sites have been identified. Is it possible to achieve control without identifying key breeding sites? Your Credibility

Dark-eyed Fruit Fly Breeding Sites Are they really breeding in drains?

Small Fly Breeding Sites Is it a sanitation or Structural Issue?

Small Fly Breeding Sites Is it a sanitation or Structural Issue?

Small Fly Breeding Sites Is it a sanitation or Structural Issue?

Small Fly Breeding Sites Is it a sanitation or Structural Issue?

Small Fly Breeding Sites Is it a sanitation or Structural Issue?

Typical Small Fly Breeding Sites Is this now purely a sanitation issue?

Small Fly Breeding Sites Sanitation or Structural Issue?

Small Fly Breeding Sites Sanitation or Structural Issue?

Small Fly Breeding Sites Which type of small fly is breeding here?

Typical Small Fly Breeding Sites Structural or Sanitation Issue?

Typical Small Fly Breeding Sites Structural or Sanitation?

Exterior breeding sites For which flies are they most significant?

Now that we have identified the species and breeding site, what are the next IPM step? (5 Basic Steps; Identification, Inspection, Sanitation, Mechanical Control/Exclusion and Insecticide) Communication Monitor/Follow-up Planning to prevention recurrence

Effective communication Is it a sanitation issue or a structural issue? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xNNFXAZIqI Show and Tell Documentation- for as long as the problem exists

Monitoring Tools https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IljiW4Hl35M

Monitoring for Key Species Jar type traps using vinegar as bait are available. Numerical monitoring is challenging. Fly lights and sticky-type traps temporarily help. Jar traps appear to be most effective but baits are limiting. Fly lights? Easy to monitor with fly lights? Sticky traps and fly lights are effective for monitoring.

Dichlorvos Strips How effective are they? Domestic label, hence potential use by clients Why is this one unlikely to work?

Use of Dichorvos Strips for Fly Control What does the product label allow?

Control/Management of Key Species Removal/drying out of breeding material ULV in severe situations Treatment is rarely necessary Pyrethroid aerosol, and Bti are labelled

Small Fly Management Structural modification and sanitation are the most important part of sustainable small fly management. Temporary relief can be achieved using adulticides chiefly ULV and residual treatment (swabbing) of landing sites. Exterior treatment e.g. garbage bins can be useful. Trapping alone (Light traps, Sticky traps etc) has limited success. Bioremediation- preventative/corrective?

Questions?