Flies: Common Indoor "Visitors"
Flies are common insects in our daily lives, especially during warm seasons when they often invade indoor spaces, causing disturbances. Therefore, understanding them can help us better prevent and control their intrusion.
The life cycle of a fly includes four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The lifespan of an adult fly is generally short, usually lasting a few weeks to a month. However, during this time, they can produce a large number of offspring.
- Eggs and Larvae:Adult flies usually lay eggs on decaying organic matter, such as garbage, animal waste, and food scraps. The eggs hatch into larvae, commonly known as "maggots." These larvae feed on decaying matter, rapidly grow, and pupate.
- Pupa Stage:The pupa is a transitional stage in the fly’s development, lasting from a few days to two weeks. Once the pupa matures, it hatches into an adult fly, starting the life cycle anew.
Ⅱ. Common Fly Species That Invade Homes
1.House Fly: This is one of the most common household flies. Adult house flies are gray with prominent stripes and typically breed in decaying food and garbage. They can enter homes through damaged screens, windows, and gaps in door frames. They are disease carriers, potentially spreading salmonella, E. coli, and food poisoning.
2.Fruit Fly: Fruit flies are small, usually grayish-white with black ring patterns, and have red or dark-colored eyes. They are attracted to overripe fruit, wine glasses, and trash bins, entering homes through cracks and gaps, and are a year-round nuisance.
3.Drain Flies (or Filter Flies): These flies are small and commonly appear near drain holes in sinks and bathtubs, preferring damp environments. They are highly reproductive.
4.Blow Flies: Blow flies typically develop on decaying animal carcasses or protein-rich materials in garbage. They are most common during late summer, early fall, and spring, when they may become household pests.
5.Cluster Flies: Larger than regular house flies, these flies have short, golden hairs and are attracted to warm, sunny days. They tend to congregate in rooms that are not often used.
6.Bluebottle and Greenbottle Flies: These flies often lay eggs on decaying food and may enter homes seeking a place to overwinter.
7.Fungus Gnats: These flies are typically found near windows and plant roots when watering, with larvae feeding on fungi and organic matter. They often invade homes during the fall.
Flies usually enter homes in search of food, shelter, and breeding sites. Their vision and sense of smell are highly sensitive, allowing them to detect food odors and be attracted to them. Additionally, flies prefer warm and humid environments, especially during summer, when their activity is frequent.
1.Food Source: Food scraps, garbage, and decaying items indoors are one of the main reasons flies enter. They primarily feed on food and animal waste.
2.Shelter and Breeding: The warm and wind-free conditions indoors provide suitable places for flies to shelter and reproduce, particularly in areas like kitchens and garbage bins.
Although flies do not directly attack humans, they are carriers of pathogens. The bacteria, viruses, and parasitic eggs on their feet and mouthparts are often picked up from contaminated places such as garbage and feces. When they fly, they spread these pathogens onto food, utensils, and even human skin, potentially causing food poisoning, gastrointestinal diseases, and more.
Diseases spread by flies include:
- Salmonella infection:Causing gastroenteritis and food poisoning.
- Cholera, typhoid, and other infectious diseases:Pathogens can be spread by flies carrying contaminated materials into the human body.
- Conjunctivitis and other eye diseases:Flies can spread eye infections by carrying bacteria to the eyes.
Ⅴ. How to Prevent Flies from Entering Homes
To reduce flies entering indoors, maintaining cleanliness is the most fundamental preventive measure.
1.Clean Trash: Regularly clean both indoor and outdoor trash, especially food scraps. Trash bins should have lids to prevent flies from feeding.
2.Seal Doors and Windows: Use screens and door curtains to prevent flies from entering through doors and windows. Keep doors and windows closed, especially during fly-heavy seasons.
3.Store Food Properly: Store food properly, especially perishable items, to prevent flies from coming into contact with them.
4.Maintain Cleanliness: Keep kitchens, dining areas, and garbage areas clean to avoid exposing food and waste for prolonged periods.
When flies enter the home, we can use indoor fly traps to eliminate them. These devices use ultraviolet light to attract flies and capture them on sticky boards. They are safe and environmentally friendly, suitable for indoor use. Utilizing wavelengths of 365nm, 395nm, and 450nm, these traps attract various flying insects. They have a wide coverage and strong attraction, effectively reducing the number of flies indoors.
Flies, as common "visitors" in our lives, pose potential health risks that should not be ignored. Understanding them and taking effective control measures will help us maintain a clean and safe indoor environment.
Quote:
https://www.orkin.com/pests/flies/house-flies/life-cycle-of-house-flies
https://www.orkin.com/pests/flies/house-flies/different-house-fly-species
https://www.orkin.com/pests/flies/what-attracts-flies
https://www.orkin.com/pests/flies/house-flies/house-flies-and-disease
https://www.quora.com/How-do-you-keep-flies-out-of-your-house-when-the-door-is-open
https://mosalogic.com/products/mosalogic-mosquito-trap-insect-and-fly-killer-indoor-gnat-and-moth-catcher-with-2-modes-night-light-attracting-by-uv-light-and-sticky-glue-boards-for-trash-bin-plant-area-home-and-office