House Flies

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Identification

Physical description: Around 6-8mm long with four dark stripes running down their grey thorax (chest). They have large compound eyes, a single pair of clear wings, and hairy legs.
Habitat: House flies thrive in areas with decaying organic matter, garbage, and animal waste. They are attracted to kitchens, restaurants, toilets, and areas with poor sanitation.
Feeding habits: House flies feed on a wide variety of decaying organic materials, including feces, rotting food, vomit, and dead animals. They regurgitate digestive enzymes onto the food source to liquefy it before sucking it up with their spongy mouthparts.

Behaviour

Life cycle: House flies undergo complete metamorphosis with four stages: egg, larva (maggot), pupa (pupa), and adult. Females lay clusters of eggs (up to 100) in moist, organic materials like manure piles, garbage bins, or even under decaying food scraps. The eggs hatch into maggots within a day, feeding on the decaying matter for several days before burrowing into the soil to pupate. Adults emerge from the pupae in a week or two. The life cycle can take as little as two weeks under ideal conditions.
Activity patterns: House flies are most active during the day, especially in warm and sunny weather. They are attracted to light and odours from decaying matter.

Signs of Infestation

Visual signs: Seeing adult house flies flying around your home is the most obvious sign. You might also find maggots in garbage bins, drains, or around decaying food sources.
Behavioral signs: House flies can contaminate food surfaces by landing on them and leaving behind bacteria. They may also cause a buzzing sound, especially when disturbed.

Health Risks

House flies are not known to directly bite humans, but they pose a health risk by carrying pathogens on their hairy bodies and feet. These pathogens can be transferred to food or surfaces, potentially causing diseases like:

Diarrhea: E. coli and Salmonella are common bacteria spread by house flies.
Dysentery: This intestinal infection can cause severe diarrhea and dehydration.
Foodborne illnesses: House flies can contaminate food with various bacteria, leading to nausea, vomiting, and cramps.

Prevention Tips

Maintain proper sanitation: Regularly clean up spills, empty garbage bins frequently (with tight-fitting lids), and keep compost bins well-maintained.
Eliminate breeding sites: Address any areas with decaying organic matter around your property. Seal cracks and gaps around windows and doors to prevent flies from entering.
Use fly traps and bait stations: These can attract and trap flies, reducing their population.
Maintain good ventilation: Keep windows and doors screened to prevent flies from entering. Utilize fans to deter them.

By taking these steps, you can effectively manage house fly populations and reduce the risk of them spreading diseases in your Sri Lankan home or business.

809/36, Negombo Road, Mabola, Wattala

+94 77 368 8979

info@ceylonpestcontrol.com

House Flies

Identification

Behaviour

Signs of Infestation

Health Risks

Prevention Tips

Need Help?

Identification

Behaviour

Signs of Infestation

Health Risks

Prevention Tips

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