House flies

Description

House flies get their name from being the most common fly found around homes. Adult house flies can grow to one-quarter of an inch long and usually live between 15 and 25 days.

Pest Facts

Color
Dark gray

Legs
Six

Shape
Small oval

Size
1/4 inch

Antennae
Yes

Flying
Yes

Region
Throughout the United States

Habits

They are only able to feed on liquids but have the ability to turn many solid foods into a liquid for them to eat. House flies taste with their feet, which are 10 million times more sensitive to sugar than the human tongue.

Habitat

House flies tend to stay within one to two miles of where they were born; however, they have been known to migrate up to 20 miles to find food.

Threats

These insects have been known to carry over 100 different kinds of disease-causing germs, which makes them very bad house guests.

Prevention

House flies can be controlled through vigilant sanitation. Remove trash regularly and use well-sealing garbage receptacles. Clean up pet waste immediately. Use fine mesh screens on doors and windows to prevent fly entry.

All information contained within is sourced directly from the National Pest Management Association.