Blow flies (family Calliphoridae) are medium to large flies recognized by their striking metallic blue, green, or bronze coloration. They are among the first insects to locate and colonize animal carcasses, making them important in forensic entomology and ecological nutrient cycling. In Arizona, several species are common, including the blue bottle fly (Calliphora vomitoria) and various green bottle species. Blow flies are attracted to meat, fish, garbage, and animal waste with extraordinary sensitivity — they can detect the odor of decomposition from miles away. When blow flies appear inside a home in large numbers, it almost always indicates a dead animal — a rodent, bird, or other pest — hidden in a wall void, attic, or crawl space. Their larvae (maggots) develop rapidly in protein-rich organic matter and can cause myiasis (tissue infestation) in livestock and occasionally in neglected wounds.
👁Warning Signs
Metallic blue or green flies indoors, especially near walls or ceilings. Buzzing sounds from wall voids. Maggots near garbage, pet food, or dead animals. Sudden large indoor fly population with no obvious food source (suggests hidden carcass).
⚠Health & Property Risks
Disease transmission through food contamination. Indoor infestations typically indicate a hidden dead animal requiring removal. Can cause myiasis in livestock.
Prevention Tips
Seal entry points around the foundation and roofline. Keep garbage tightly sealed. Address rodent and bird pest problems to prevent carcasses in wall voids. Screen vents and openings.
🛡Professional Treatment
Locate and remove the carcass causing the infestation — fly populations will collapse once the breeding source is eliminated. Residual treatments for adult flies. Professional inspection to locate hidden carcasses.
Frequently Asked Questions — Blow Fly
The Blow Fly (Calliphora / Lucilia spp.) is metallic blue, green, or bronze and typically measures ¼–½ inch. Blow flies (family Calliphoridae) are medium to large flies recognized by their striking metallic blue, green, or bronze coloration. They are among the first insects to locate and colonize animal carc.
The Blow Fly poses a moderate risk. Disease transmission through food contamination. Indoor infestations typically indicate a hidden dead animal requiring removal. Can cause myiasis in livestock.
In Arizona, blow flys are most often encountered in the following situations: Metallic blue or green flies indoors, especially near walls or ceilings. Buzzing sounds from wall voids. Maggots near garbage, pet food, or dead animals. Sudden large indoor fly population with no obvious food source (suggests hidden carcass).
The Blow Fly is most active during: Year-round; most active in warm months. Arizona's warm desert climate can extend activity periods compared to other states, so year-round vigilance is recommended in the Phoenix metro and surrounding areas.
Seal entry points around the foundation and roofline. Keep garbage tightly sealed. Address rodent and bird pest problems to prevent carcasses in wall voids. Screen vents and openings.
Locate and remove the carcass causing the infestation — fly populations will collapse once the breeding source is eliminated. Residual treatments for adult flies. Professional inspection to locate hidden carcasses.
Most fly species are drawn to food sources, moisture, organic waste, and breeding sites. For Blow Flys specifically: Metallic blue or green flies indoors, especially near walls or ceilings. Buzzing sounds from wall voids. Maggots near garbage, pet food, or dead animals. Sudden large indoor fly population with no obv. Eliminating attractants is the first step — Pest Control Bros can identify the source and recommend targeted control.
Dealing with Blow Fly?
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