About Soldier Flies in South Florida

Introduction To Soldier Flies (Hermetia illucens)

The soldier fly, also known as the black soldier fly, is a species of fly that is commonly found in South Florida, particularly in Miami. It is known for its distinctive black color and elongated shape. Despite its presence in the region, many people are not aware of the significant role that soldier flies play in the ecosystem.

Global Distribution of Soldier Flies in Miami

The soldier fly is found in many parts of the world, including South Florida. It is particularly abundant in Miami, where the warm and humid climate is ideal for its survival and reproduction. Soldier flies are also commonly found in regions with a large amount of organic waste, such as compost piles and landfills, which serve as their primary food source.

Life Cycle of the Soldier Fly

The soldier fly goes through a complete metamorphosis, starting from an egg and eventually transforming into an adult fly. The life cycle of the soldier fly typically lasts between four to six weeks, and consists of several stages, including the egg, larvae, pupa, and adult stage.

Physical Characteristics of the Soldier Fly

The soldier fly is a medium-sized fly, measuring between 10 to 15 millimeters in length. It has a distinctive black color and an elongated shape, which sets it apart from other species of flies. The larvae of the soldier fly are worm-like in appearance and are typically cream-colored.

Where do Soldier Flies Breed

The primary breeding grounds for soldier flies are organic waste, such as compost piles and landfills. The larvae feed on decomposing organic matter and are able to consume large amounts of organic waste, thus breaking it down into smaller pieces and aiding in the decomposition process.

Do Soldier Flies Cause Damage

Despite their abundance in South Florida, soldier flies do not cause any significant damage to crops or humans. They do not bite, sting, or spread diseases, and are considered to be beneficial to the ecosystem. In fact, their presence can help to reduce the amount of organic waste in the environment, which in turn helps to prevent the buildup of harmful chemicals and gases.

Threshold Density: How Many Soldier Flies is Too Many

There is no set threshold for the density of soldier flies, as their presence is not considered to be a problem in most cases. However, if the population of soldier flies becomes too large and begins to cause issues, it may be necessary to implement control methods to reduce their numbers.

Control Methods of the Soldier Fly

If the population of soldier flies becomes too large and begins to cause issues, it is possible to implement control methods to reduce their numbers. One of the most effective methods is to eliminate the source of their food, such as compost piles or landfills, which will reduce the amount of organic matter available to them. Additionally, implementing proper sanitation practices, such as regularly cleaning and disposing of waste, can help to reduce the population of soldier flies.

NaturePest: Professional Pest Control for Soldier Flies in Miami, FL

If you are experiencing problems with soldier flies in Miami, FL, consider contacting NaturePest for professional pest control services. Our team of experts has extensive experience in controlling the population of soldier flies and will work with you to develop a customized solution for your specific needs.

Don’t let soldier flies continue to impact your life and property. Contact NaturePest today to learn more about our effective and affordable pest control solutions.

Products for the control of Soldier Flies

Active Starbar Exhalt WDG is an insect growth regulator that is designed to target a wide range of pests including house flies, stable flies, dump flies, soldier flies, darkling beetles, crickets, and indoor German cockroach nymphs. This powerful solution contains Novaluron as the active ingredient at 4.00%.

One of the key benefits of Active Starbar Exhalt WDG is its versatility in application. It can be used in a variety of settings, including cattle barns, swine houses, horse barns, livestock manure, non-farm animal houses, cage-layer houses, poultry houses, and other commercial houses. The product is available in a granular formulation and can be applied in a dry granular form, as a course spray, or in combination with an adulticide.

Another important feature of Active Starbar Exhalt WDG is its safety. The product is considered pet safe if used as directed on the label. This makes it an ideal solution for those who are concerned about the safety of their animals.

Overall, Active Starbar Exhalt WDG is a powerful and versatile solution for those looking to control a wide range of pests in their livestock and commercial settings. Whether you’re looking for a granular solution, a spray, or a combination of both, this product offers a reliable and safe solution for your pest control needs.