Decapitating flies, which were imported from South America as biological control agents of imported fire ants, are not attracted to humans or animals. They are very small, about the size of a fire ant head, and are hardly noticeable. Before they were initially released, tests were conducted to determine if they were attracted to food items including raw vegetables, fresh fruit, raw meat, prepared foods and even carrion. They appear to be attracted only to fire ants. In fact, there are several native species of phorid flies that attack native fire ants. See also "FAQ #1113: What happens when the decapitating flies run out of fire ants to eat?" and FAQ #855: "What can we expect from the decapitating (phorid) flies?"

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