What attracts adult blow flies to certain locations?

Adult blow flies are strongly attracted to putrefying odors of decaying organic matter, particularly animal carcasses. This attraction is primarily driven by their need to find suitable locations for laying their eggs, as the decaying material provides an ideal environment for their larvae to feed and develop. The smell of decomposition contains a variety of volatile compounds released as tissues break down, which signals to the flies that a suitable food source is present for their offspring.

While sweet fruits, fresh vegetables, and normal household scents may attract some other types of insects such as fruit flies or ants, they do not hold the same allure for blow flies, whose reproductive success is closely linked to accessing decaying animal matter. Thus, understanding the specific preferences of blow flies can aid in effective pest management strategies, particularly in locations where these pests might pose a health risk or nuisance.