Flies are small insects
known for their rapid movements and buzzing flight.
They can be annoying at times and are known to spread diseases.
Flies typically have a compact body with a single pair of wings and large compound eyes. Flies can range from 6- 7 mm in length. Their colours range from dull grey to metallic hues.
Interestingly, males and females can be identified based on the space between their eyes. In female flies, there is a space between the eyes. While, in males this space is absent.
Where do flies live?
Flies live in environments rich in organic matter, such as garbage, faeces, and decaying organic materials. They are often found near human dwellings and places with food sources.
They especially like areas where they can find food and a spot to lay their eggs.
You’ll often find them in homes, hovering around food scraps or garbage. Flies also breed in compost piles, where decaying plants and food provide perfect conditions. Additionally, some flies like moist areas, so they’re found near ponds or marshes.
What do flies eat?
Most flies feed on liquid or semi-liquid substances. House flies can only ingest liquids, so they regurgitate on solid food to liquefy it before feeding.
Fruit flies feed on items like beer and wine and ripe fruits like bananas and grapes. Blow flies are attracted to both fresh and decaying meat, often being the first to arrive at an animal carcass.
Lifecycle of flies
Flies undergo complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (maggot), pupa, and adult stages. Depending on the species and conditions, their lifecycle can range from days to weeks.
Egg Stage: The life cycle begins when a house fly lays eggs in places rich in food for the larvae, such as garbage, animal waste, or decaying organic material.
Maggot (Larvae) Stage: The eggs quickly hatch into larvae, commonly known as maggots. These maggots are small, white, and worm-like, feeding heavily on the decaying matter to grow.
Pupal Stage: After feeding, the maggots enter the pupal stage, similar to a butterfly’s cocoon. Inside this protective case, the maggot transforms into an adult fly.
Adult Fly: The adult house fly emerges from the pupal case and is fully grown. These flies can start reproducing within a few days, continuing the cycle and increasing their population.
Flies are common pests all over the world, with over 120,000 different kinds globally and about 18,000 types found in North America. Even though they don’t live very long, flies can reproduce quickly and in large numbers.
You can keep flies away using the following methods:
Keeping flies out of your house can be simple if you follow these tips:
Keep Things Clean: Always clean up any food spills and crumbs right away, and make sure your kitchen and dining areas are tidy. Regularly taking out the garbage helps a lot, too.
Store Food Properly: Keep food in airtight containers and put perishable items in the fridge. Leaving food out is like inviting flies to a feast!
Manage Your Trash: Make sure your trash cans have lids that close tightly and clean them once in a while to keep them from smelling, which attracts flies.
Dry Out Damp Areas: Fix any leaky taps and get rid of standing water around your house since flies love moist places.
Natural Deterrents: Place herbs like basil, lavender, or eucalyptus around your home. Flies hate these smells!
And remember, if you see a lot of flies all of a sudden and it seems like a big problem, it might be time to call expert fly exterminators. They can handle severe infestations and make sure flies don’t come back!
Use apple cider vinegar or a piece of ripe fruit in a jar with a paper funnel to attract and trap fruit flies.
Flies are attracted to food sources, garbage, and warm indoor environments, especially during warmer months
To keep flies out of your home, keep your home clean. Do not collect waste, especially damp ones. Flies are attracted to damp and warm places. If you suspect a fly infestation in your home or yard contact professional fly control services.
House flies typically live for 15 to 25 days, depending on environmental factors and available food.
Flies rub their front legs together to clean their eyes and antennae because flies have tiny taste sensors all over their bodies. When they walk around, these sensors can get filled with dirt, dust, and leftover food particles
Flies have two large compound eyes and three simple eyes called ocelli, which detect light and movement.
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