Green Bottle Fly
Lucilia sericata
Also known as: Blow Fly
The Green Bottle Fly is a metallic green blow fly attracted to decaying organic matter, especially animal carcasses and garbage. Its sudden indoor presence often indicates a dead animal in a wall void or attic. Outdoors, it is a natural decomposer.
Identification
Size
8-10 mm
Color
Metallic green to copper-green
Key Trait
Brilliant metallic green body; associated with decaying animal matter and garbage.
Behavior & Habitat
Attracted to decaying animal matter within minutes. Females lay eggs on carcasses, garbage, and wounds. Sudden indoor presence strongly suggests a dead animal in a wall or attic.
Habitat: Wherever decaying animal matter is present. Enters homes when attracted to a carcass in a wall void, attic, or crawl space.
Diet: Decaying animal matter, garbage, and feces. Larvae (maggots) feed on carrion.
Signs of Infestation
- Metallic green flies appearing indoors suddenly
- Strong odor suggesting a dead animal in a wall or attic
- Flies concentrated near one area of the home
Risks & Damage
Indicates the presence of decaying organic matter; carries pathogens from filth sources to food.
Prevention Tips
- 1.Seal entry points for rodents and wildlife to prevent animals from dying in walls
- 2.Keep garbage cans sealed and clean
- 3.Remove pet waste promptly
Why DIY Treatment Often Falls Short
Killing the flies does not address the source - usually a dead animal. The carcass must be located and removed or the fly problem persists until decomposition is complete.
Professional Treatment
Technicians locate and remove the dead animal, treat the area for secondary pests and odor, and seal the entry point used by the animal. A perimeter fly treatment may be applied to reduce outdoor populations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does seeing green bottle flies mean something is dead in my wall?
How long will the flies last?
Are green bottle flies dangerous?
Need Help With Green bottle fly?
If you're seeing signs of green bottle fly in or around your home, professional treatment is the fastest way to stop the problem. Lotus Pest Control offers free inspections to identify the issue and recommend the right solution.
At a Glance
- Category
- Flies
- Scientific Name
- Lucilia sericata
- Size
- 8-10 mm
- Color
- Metallic green to copper-green
- Key Trait
- Brilliant metallic green body; associated with decaying animal matter and garbage.
- Regions
- Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest
- Threat Level
- Low
- Risk Types
- healthnuisance
- Seasonal Activity
- MarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecJanFebnonelowmoderatehighpeak