Fly Facts & Information

There are many different ways homeowners may get a fly in their living space. The insects can enter houses on food products (fruit flies) or drift in through open windows and doors. They may also be attracted to and develop in decaying organic matter in drains. They can also infest dead animals in walls, attics, or other hidden places inside the home. Some species prefer to overwinter inside and are attracted to sunny parts of the home and upper floors of buildings.

The best way to repel flies is through simple, preventive measures. To best repel flies, limit access to your home as much as possible, keeping doors and windows closed. You may also choose to screen windows, doors, and vents. Keep garbage cans clean and securely closed. Lastly, keeping surfaces clean will make your home less appealing to flies. For best results, contact an Orkin Pro to discuss fly extermination options.

Although it differs depending on the species, flies typically eat organic filth and waste, sugary substances, overripe produce, or other organic materials. When flies feed on waste, they collect pathogens on their legs and mouths. These pathogens are then transferred to food on tables or counters when a fly lands again. Flies regurgitate on solid food then they eat the liquid. They are capable of transmitting disease when they vomit, groom themselves, or just walk on surfaces.Problem Species

Different species of ticks can transmit over 15 viruses and infections. Some of these problem ticks include:

• American dog ticks

• Deer or blacklegged ticks

• Lone star ticks

Lyme Disease

One of the more common tick-borne ailments is Lyme disease. If left untreated, Lyme disease can affect the heart and nervous system, so early detection and medical intervention are crucial. Symptoms include:

• Fatigue

• Fever

• Headache

• Joint pain

• Skin rash

Because people correctly associate flies with filth, these pests disgust and annoy residents in homes. The insects can also transfer disease organisms when they touch food and kitchen surfaces. In addition, certain fly species can inflict painful bites on humans and animals. The U.S. Department of Agriculture sources reveal that flies contaminate or destroy $10 billion worth of agricultural products annually.

Disease

Millions of microorganisms may flourish in a single fly’s gut, while a half-billion more swarm over its body and legs. Flies spread diseases readily because they move quickly from rotting, disease-laden garbage to exposed human foods and utensils. Every time a fly lands, it sloughs off thousands of microbes which can cause serious illnesses like:

• Bloodstream infections

• Diarrhea

• Food poisoning

• Meningitis

More than 100 pathogens are associated with the house fly, including Salmonella, Staphylococcus, E. coli, and Shigella. These pathogens can cause disease in humans and animals. Some of the diseases include:

• Cholera

• Bacillary dysentery

• Hepatitis

• Typhoid fever

Prevention for Pets

Regular pet inspections can reduce the chance of your pet contracting a tick-borne disease. Feeding ticks should be removed as soon as they are discovered. Many treatments are also available from your veterinarian's office for tick control.

Flies plague every part of the world except the polar ice caps. Flies prefer warm temperatures and are most active from late spring to early autumn.

The development of flies involves a four-phase life cycle. Beginning as eggs, flies undergo larval and pupal stages before emerging as adults. Depending on the species, the life expectancy of a fly is eight days to two months or, in some cases, up to a year.

One pair of flies can produce more than 1 million offspring through their offsprings’ offspring in a matter of weeks.

Eggs

The fly’s life cycle begins when a fertilized female finds a suitable location for laying her eggs. The ideal egg site is material that the larvae will eat when they hatch from the egg. Examples of egg-laying sites might include a pile of trash, feces or other damp, decomposing organic material. In some cases, fertilized eggs hatch within 24 hours.

Larvae

Upon hatching, larvae feed upon the organic material. Fly larvae eat for several days to weeks, storing enough protein and nutrients to last through their upcoming pupa stage.

Pupal

When larvae are grown, they leave their food source and seek dry, dark places within which to pupate. During the pupal stage, flies develop from legless larvae into adults with six legs, compound eyes and a pair of wings.

Adult

Development time from egg to adult vary depending on species, environmental conditions and abundance of food. Some flies can complete their development in the matter of a couple of weeks if conditions are right.