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Integrated Pest Management · Agriculture and Natural Resources

University of California

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  • Invertebrate pests

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 fruit and nut flies

Fruit and nut pests

The larvae (maggots) of these flies infest ripe or ripening fruits and nuts.

Link to mosquitoes

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

Nuisance flies

These include biting flies, garbage flies, and other bothersome flies in or near buildings.

Link to flower and vegetable flies

Vegetable and flower pests

Leafminers, maggots, and bulb flies attack leaves, roots, and flowers.

Link to flies on woody plants

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.

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