Green bottle flies: How to spot and stop them

Green flies are suddenly appearing in the house. What's causing it?

Green bottle flies are not just a visual nuisance in your kitchen or business premises - they also pose serious health risks. Known for their shiny, metallic bodies and habit of landing on dirty surfaces, green bottle flies can transmit various diseases to food and humans.

This article will cover the characteristics of green bottle flies, their life cycle, the dangers they pose to health and effective ways to get rid of them from your home or business.

What is a green bottle fly?

Green bottle flies (Lucilia sericata), also known as blowflies, are among the most dangerous types of flies and are commonly found in dirty environments, such as garbage bins, animal carcasses or organic waste. Their most distinctive feature is their shiny metallic green body and slightly larger size compared to common house flies.

What does a green bottle fly look like?

Green bottle flies have several distinct physical characteristics that make them easily identifiable and distinguishable from other types of flies. Below are the main characteristics based on:

• Body appearance
• Size
• Wings
• Flight ability
• Habitat & behavior

Facts about green bottles

It’s no coincidence that green bottle flies are often classified as large flies. Their sizable bodies make them stand out compared to other fly species like fruit flies and flesh flies.

Thus, if adult green bottle flies typically measure between 10 - 14 mm, which makes them:

• 3 times larger than fruit flies (3 - 4 mm)
• 2 times larger than house flies (6 - 7 mm)
• 1.5 times larger than flesh flies (8 - 12 mm)

Where do green bottle flies live?

Green bottle flies prefer unsanitary and moist areas where decaying matter is present. They are commonly found in:

• Garbage disposal areas
• Household kitchens with exposed food
• Slaughterhouses and meat processing facilities
• Food-related businesses like restaurants and street food stalls
• Dirty drains, clogged gutters and open sewage channels

These flies often enter homes and kitchens through open windows or ventilation gaps, especially when food is left uncovered.

How long does a green bottle fly live?

Once they reach adulthood, green bottle flies typically live for 15 to 30 days, depending on temperature and food availability. However, during this short life, they can reproduce rapidly - making them a serious infestation risk if not controlled quickly.

Learn more about the fly life cycle here

How long do green bottle flies take to hatch eggs?

Green bottle flies breed rapidly. Their life cycle from egg to adult is incredibly short:

• Eggs hatch within 8 to 24 hours
• Larvae (maggots) develop into pupae within 3 to 5 days
• Pupae mature into adult flies in 7 to 12 days

This means a full fly infestation can establish itself in under two weeks - especially in warm, dirty environments with plenty of decaying organic matter.

How many eggs does a green bottle fly lay?

A single female green bottle fly can lay up to 250 eggs in one cycle, and she’ll typically choose places rich in protein and strong odors, such as:

• Rotting meat
• Animal carcasses
• Open trash bins
• Open wounds on animals or humans

If even a small number of eggs go unnoticed, the population can quickly explode.

What attracts green bottle flies?

Green bottle flies are drawn to environments where they can find food and breeding sites. Common attractants include:

• Uncovered organic waste
• Raw meat or leftovers left at room temperature
• Poor kitchen hygiene
• Accumulated food debris
• Leaky drains or stagnant water

If these conditions exist in or around your home or business, it's only a matter of time before green bottle flies show up.

Are green bottle flies dangerous?

Yes, green bottle flies are more than just a nuisance - they’re a health risk. These flies regularly land on decaying organic matter, such as animal carcasses and garbage, picking up bacteria along the way. When they later land on food or kitchen surfaces, they can transfer pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli and other foodborne bacteria.

Some health risks associated with green bottle flies:

• Food poisoning
• Diarrhea and gastrointestinal issues
• Cross-contamination in kitchens
• Damage to the food business's reputation

In commercial settings, especially food service, even a single green bottle fly can trigger serious food safety violations and harm customer trust.

How to get rid of a green bottle fly?

Dealing with fly infestations - especially from green bottle flies requires a combination of proper hygiene, environmental control and support from professional pest management. Here’s how to effectively keep flies away and prevent future outbreaks:

1. Maintain a high standard of cleanliness

Since green bottle flies thrive in dirty environments, cleanliness is your first line of defense:

• Take out organic waste daily
• Keep trash bins tightly sealed
• Wipe down kitchen surfaces and floors regularly
• Store food in sealed containers

2. Eliminate their breeding grounds

In both homes and businesses, look for moisture or access points where flies can breed:

For businesses:

• Unclog and sanitize drains
• Prevent stagnant water near operational areas
• Install air curtains, plastic strips, or automated doors to keep flies out

For homes:

• Clean kitchen and bathroom drains frequently
• Don’t let water sit in buckets or pots
• Use fly screens on windows and vents

3. Contact professional pest control services

If the infestation becomes unmanageable, it’s best to bring in experts.

At Rentokil, we offer professional fly control solutions based on thorough inspection and treatment plans. Our Lumnia fly control units utilize UV light and hygienic catch systems to trap flies efficiently without contaminating food surfaces.

With advanced technology and decades of experience, Rentokil can help eliminate green bottle flies safely and permanently from both residential and commercial environments.

FAQ about green bottle fly

Keep green flies away and don’t let them take over your space!

Green bottle flies may look vibrant, but they pose a serious threat to health and hygiene. Whether they’re hovering around your kitchen or appearing in your place of business, early action is key. Start by improving cleanliness and maintaining a hygienic environment.

However, if the problem persists, it’s time to let professional pest control take over. Rentokil offers fast, safe and effective fly control solutions tailored to your specific needs.

Protect your home or business today. Contact Rentokil for expert fly control.