August 1996
SIZE: 3/8 to ¾ inch (9.5-19.1mm)
COLOR: Pale
DESCRIPTION: Larvae are soft, worm-like, pale-colored maggots.
HABITAT: Large numbers of maggots may be found crawling across the floor, or numerous small, oval-shaped pupae may be found under a rug close to a fireplace or wood stove. This often occurs when an animal (bird, mouse, squirrel, etc.) becomes trapped in the flue of a fireplace or wood stove and dies.
LIFE CYCLE: Once the animal dies and its body begins to decay, blow flies are attracted to it for egg laying. The maggots complete development in the decaying flesh, then seek a dry place to pupate. Fly maggots have the habit of wandering a distance before selecting a place to pupate.
TYPE OF DAMAGE: They may wander out into the living area of a house and cause concern to homeowners.
CONTROL: There is really no need for alarm or extensive control of these insects. The pupae and larvae can be picked up and discarded. The real concern should be for the cause of the problem. Check the flue of your fireplace or wood stove. A blocked flue can cause more damage than a few fly maggots or pupae on the floor. Unused stoves and fireplaces may become nesting places for birds, or a mouse, squirrel, or other animal may become trapped in the flue stack and die there, thus attracting blow flies.