Flies are a common nuisance in homes and outdoor spaces, often buzzing around food, garbage, and even people. But beyond being annoying, are flies dangerous?
The Dangers of Flies
Flies are not just bothersome insects; they can pose serious health risks. One of the main dangers comes from their ability to spread diseases. Flies land on various surfaces, including rotting food, faeces, and garbage, picking up pathogens that can transfer to your food or surfaces in your home. When you see flies rubbing their hands together, they are cleaning themselves, but this behaviour also helps to spread bacteria.
Fly Reproduction and Habits
Understanding where flies lay eggs and how they reproduce is key to controlling their population. Flies typically lay their eggs in moist, decaying organic matter like food waste, manure, or compost. The eggs hatch into larvae, commonly known as maggots, known to feed on the decaying matter before pupating and emerging as adult flies.
Fruit flies, for example, are attracted to overripe fruits and vegetables. These tiny pests can become a significant problem if not controlled, as they reproduce rapidly. Knowing where fruit flies come from and how to catch fruit flies can help prevent infestations.
What Attracts Flies?
Flies are attracted to many materials, including food, waste, and even human sweat. The smell of decaying organic matter is particularly appealing to them, which is why you might find flies buzzing around your garbage or compost bin. Additionally, certain smells can attract flies to your home. Understanding what attracts flies is the first step in preventing them from entering your living space.
How to Keep Flies Away
Keeping flies away from your home requires a combination of cleanliness and preventive measures. Regularly taking out the trash, cleaning up spills, and ensuring that food is stored properly are essential steps. You can also use natural repellents to keep flies away, such as vinegar traps or essential oils like lavender and eucalyptus. These smells are known to repel flies and can be used both indoors and outdoors.
If you’re wondering how to keep flies away outside, consider using plants that naturally repel flies, such as basil, mint, and marigold. These plants beautify your garden and act as a natural barrier against flies.
Fly Infestations and How to Handle Them
A sudden increase in flies in your home can be alarming. If you’re asking, “Why do I suddenly have large flies in my house?” it could be due to a breeding site nearby. Identifying and eliminating these breeding sites is crucial to stopping the infestation. Knowing how to trap flies effectively can also help reduce their numbers.
Houseflies, one of the most common types, have a short lifespan but can reproduce rapidly. Understanding how long house flies live and their life cycle can help you take timely action to prevent infestations.
What Flies Eat and Why They’re a Problem
Flies are scavengers by nature. They feed on decaying organic matter, which makes them vectors for disease. Houseflies, for example, are known to feed on various substances, including food, waste, and even human sweat. Their feeding habits make them potential carriers of harmful bacteria, which can spread to humans through contact with food or surfaces.
Dos and Don’ts When Dealing with Fly Infestations
| Dos | Don’ts |
| Keep your home clean and free of food waste. | Don’t leave food uncovered, especially fruits and vegetables. |
| Use natural repellents like essential oils. | Don’t ignore small infestations; they can grow quickly. |
| Seal garbage bins tightly to prevent access. | Don’t allow stagnant water to accumulate around your home. |
| Install screens on windows and doors. | Don’t rely solely on chemical sprays; use multiple methods. |
| Regularly clean pet areas and dispose of waste. | Don’t let organic matter sit for too long before disposing of it. |
