If you've noticed a sudden increase in flies buzzing around your kitchen, trash cans, or windows, you're not alone. Many homeowners across Atlanta, Charlotte, and Charleston report a rise in indoor fly activity during the summer months—and this isn't just a seasonal annoyance. Flies can quickly transition from a nuisance to a potential health hazard, spreading bacteria and contaminating food and surfaces. Understanding the science behind summer fly infestations is the first step toward protecting your home.
At PestNation, we're seeing a significant uptick in service calls related to flies each summer. These aren't isolated incidents—there are biological, environmental, and behavioral factors at play that make your home especially attractive to flies right now. In this article, we'll explore why flies become more active during this time of year, what attracts them indoors, and the steps you can take—along with professional help from PestNation—to eliminate them and prevent future infestations.
Why Summer Brings a Surge in Flies
Flies are cold-blooded insects, meaning their body temperature and development rate are tied to environmental conditions. Warm temperatures accelerate their breeding cycle, allowing them to multiply quickly. A single fly can lay up to 150 eggs at a time, and in the heat of summer, those eggs can hatch into adult flies in just a few days. That's why what starts as one or two flies can quickly escalate into a full-blown infestation.
Humidity also plays a key role. High moisture levels—common in cities like Charleston and Charlotte—create the perfect breeding environment for flies. Areas with decaying organic material, moisture, or food residue become ideal fly nurseries. Trash bins, compost piles, drains, and even fruit left out on counters all become hotspots. In Atlanta, where heat and moisture combine frequently during the summer, these conditions are ideal for sustaining a growing fly population.
Common Types of Flies in Summer Infestations
Not all flies are the same, and knowing which type is invading your home can help determine the most effective treatment strategy.
1. House Flies
The most common type, house flies are usually found near garbage, pet waste, and food. They are known for spreading pathogens such as salmonella and E. coli, making them a significant health risk.
2. Fruit Flies
Drawn to fermenting fruits, juices, and sugary residues, fruit flies breed in overripe produce and drains. They can become a major issue in kitchens and restaurants.
3. Drain Flies
These flies breed in the organic buildup found in sink drains, garbage disposals, and plumbing systems. While they are not harmful, their presence is a sign of poor sanitation and potential plumbing issues.
4. Blow Flies
Often larger and metallic in appearance, blow flies are usually found near decomposing organic matter and are a red flag for sanitation problems or hidden rodent carcasses within walls or attics.
How Flies Get Inside Your Home
During summer, doors and windows are often left open more frequently, creating easy access points for flies. However, that's not the only way they get inside. Flies can enter through:
Torn window screens
Cracks around windows and doors
Gaps in attic vents or crawl space entries
Damaged weather stripping
Pet doors
Once inside, flies are drawn to moisture, food residue, uncovered trash, dirty dishes, and even your pets' food bowls. Without prompt and consistent pest control efforts, a few stray flies can lead to ongoing infestations that are tough to eliminate on your own.
The Role of Sanitation in Fly Control
Flies are opportunistic feeders, and sanitation is your first line of defense. Eliminating attractants can drastically reduce your risk of infestation. Here are a few key sanitation practices recommended by PestNation:
Take out the trash regularly and ensure lids are tightly sealed.
Clean drains with a brush and enzyme-based cleaner to remove organic buildup.
Wipe down surfaces after every meal and don't leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight.
Store food properly in sealed containers.
Rinse recyclables before disposal.
Sanitation not only helps control flies but also deters other pests like ants, cockroaches, and rodents that may be seeking the same food and water sources.
The Hidden Connection Between Flies and Rodents
One surprising but important factor in fly infestations is the presence of rodents. When rodents die inside walls, attics, or crawl spaces—either naturally or from improper baiting—their carcasses become breeding grounds for blow flies and other species. A sudden appearance of large, metallic-colored flies may indicate a hidden rodent issue.
That's why PestNation offers not just fly treatments but comprehensive rodent exclusion services to identify and seal off entry points while also managing existing rodent problems. Our trained technicians in Atlanta, Charlotte, and Charleston use proven methods to locate signs of rodent activity, remove the sources, and prevent future access—ensuring your home stays free from both pests and the flies they attract.
How PestNation Handles Fly Infestations
At PestNation, we don't just eliminate flies—we target the root causes of infestations. Our approach combines thorough PestNation pest inspections with customized interior and exterior pest treatments based on your specific environment and fly species.
Here's what you can expect:
Inspection: We begin with a detailed inspection to identify fly species, breeding sites, and entry points.
Treatment: Using targeted, low-toxicity solutions, we apply treatments to key interior and exterior areas, including garbage zones, windows, drains, and vents.
Drain cleaning and baiting: For fruit and drain flies, we use specialized drain foams and traps.
Sanitation recommendations: Our team will provide a list of corrective measures you can take to support long-term control.
Follow-up: For recurring issues, we offer quarterly services that help maintain pest-free conditions all year long.
Whether you're in a suburban home in Charlotte, a townhouse in Charleston, or a high-rise apartment in Atlanta, our team tailors each solution to your specific needs and risk factors.
Quarterly Services: Prevent Flies Before They Start
While one-time treatments can provide quick relief, fly problems tend to reoccur if not managed long-term. PestNation's quarterly services offer seasonal protection by addressing pest activity before it peaks. Each service includes:
Reapplication of protective treatments on exterior access points
Ongoing inspections for fly attractants and breeding grounds
Integrated pest management strategies that adapt to changing weather patterns
Coordination with rodent exclusion if necessary
Quarterly services also cover other common summer pests, helping you stay ahead of infestations from flies, mosquitoes, ants, and more.
What Makes Summer Fly Control Different
Controlling flies in the summer requires a different approach than in other seasons. This is the time when populations grow fastest, breeding cycles are shortest, and sanitation challenges increase due to outdoor cooking, garbage buildup, and pet activity.
In cities like Charleston where humidity spikes, or in Atlanta where heat accelerates fly development, waiting too long to take action can make the problem exponentially worse. That's why PestNation recommends starting with an inspection early in the season and following up with consistent, professional-grade treatments.
If you're wondering why flies seem to have taken over your home this month, the answer lies in biology, climate, and the everyday habits that can attract them indoors. Summer heat accelerates their life cycles, and even a small lapse in cleanliness can invite them in. While DIY methods may work for short-term relief, true prevention and elimination require expert intervention.
PestNation's team of trained professionals in Atlanta, Charlotte, and Charleston knows exactly what it takes to stop fly infestations at the source. From in-depth PestNation pest inspections and specialized interior and exterior pest treatments to full rodent exclusion and year-round quarterly services, we provide everything you need to protect your home and family. Don't let a few flies become a full-blown infestation—take control this summer with PestNation's trusted solutions.