Blowflies and Flesh Flies: Why They Appear and What They Signal

Large, shiny flies buzzing indoors are often blowflies, and they usually mean there is something rotting nearby.

The short answer

Blowflies and flesh flies lay eggs on meat, fish, waste, animal carcasses and rotting matter. Seeing many can signal uncleaned garbage, spoiled food, pet waste or a dead animal in a roof, wall or drain. Find and remove the source, clean the area and dispose of waste safely. If you can't locate it, call a professional.

What they look like

• Blowflies: metallic blue, green or black and noisy.
• Flesh flies: grey with striped thorax.

Possible sources

• Spoiled meat or fish.
• Garbage and compost.
• Pet waste.
• Dead rodents or birds in hidden spaces.

What to do

1. Check bins, kitchen and drains.
2. Follow the smell and flies.
3. Remove and dispose of the source.
4. Clean and disinfect the area.
5. Call a professional for hidden sources.

When to call a professional

If the problem is widespread, keeps returning or you are unsure what you are dealing with, a professional inspection will save time and avoid wasted effort.

Frequently asked questions

Are they dangerous?

They can carry germs, so protect food.

Why many at once?

They hatch from the same source.

Do sprays fix it?

No, remove the source.

Is a smell a sign?

Yes, often.

This guide is part of IPest's complete resource on fly control. For identification help, prevention and treatment options, see our full fly control guide for Bangalore.