Phorid flies infest New Brunswick cafeteria
Challenge
A few weeks ago I was sent to inspect an over abundance of flies in the kitchen and cafeteria of an office building in new Brunswick. These flies were also being seen in offices down the hall from this area. Upon first inspection, I identified them as Phorid flies, also known as humpbacked flies, are small to minute flies that resemble fruit flies in appearance. The Phorid fly does not have the red eye color that is the trademark of the fruit fly. They are similar in size to fruit flies, they are darker and more importantly breed in different areas. They choose decaying organic matter as their breeding sites.
After a little poking and prodding areas where this type of matter would build up, I found a break in the seal of the grease trap. We opened up to find these cocoons and also hundreds of larvae crawling on the lid.
Solution
A scraper and power washer was used to clean the trap and a new seal was placed on the lid. Within a few days the flies diminished and no other problems have been reported .
