Integrated Pest Management · Agriculture and Natural Resources
University of California
Flies and mosquitoes
Flies have only one pair of fully developed wings as adults. Pest species include house flies, mosquitoes, leafminers, fruit flies, gnats, and midges. Larvae of some flies are called maggots.
![Link to mosquitoes](/IMAGES/photos/f-mosquito.jpg)
Mosquitoes
These familiar biting flies are annoying, and may also transmit diseases such as West Nile Virus. Mosquito larvae live and grow in standing water and aquatic sites.
![Link to nuisance flies](/IMAGES/photos/f-nuisance.jpg)
Nuisance flies
These include biting flies, garbage flies, and other bothersome flies in or near buildings.
![Link to flies on woody plants](/IMAGES/photos/f-woody.jpg)
Woody-plant flies
Leafminers and gall midges damage leaves or cause distorted growth on trees and shrubs.
See also
- For whiteflies, see the Psyllids and whiteflies page.
- For beneficial flies, such as syrphid flies, aphid midges, and tachinid flies, visit the Natural Enemies Gallery.