Houseflies are the most common variety, in both urban and rural areas.  They vary in size from 4 mm to 7.5 mm. These flies are a problem since they are knowns to be vectors for the transmission of a multitude of pathogens, such as cholera, salmonella, bacillary dysentery, E. coli, certain streptococci, and several parasitic worms.

One housefly can lay from 350 to 900 eggs over its life cycle. These eggs hatch between 8 and 20 hours after they are laid, depending on the temperature. They reach maturity in three to seven days. Larvae can migrate long distances to find a suitable place to transform into pupas. In certain cases, they can cover several dozen meters. As a result, the presence of larvae in a specific location does not necessarily mean it is the location of the main infestation. That is why an in-depth inspection of the building is needed.

Development and Behaviours

Houseflies are active during the day and sleep at night. If they are inside a building when it is dark, they tend to concentrate on roofs, beams, and cables. Outside they move towards the foliage and rest in bushes and trees.

Houseflies have been strongly associated with humans and have accompanied them around the world since time immemorial. They mostly do so because they are attracted by organic matter and human waste.

These flies are omnivorous and feed on almost everything, from plant nectar to sap and even animal blood. To feed, the fly unrolls its tongue and sucks the liquid. When they are larvae, they feed on decaying organic matter such as feces and meat.

Prevention

Here are some tips to help prevent a housefly infestation:

• Regularly clean spaces where there may be food sources (floors, tables, counters, etc.)
• Avoid accumulating waste and take out the trash regularly
• Install mosquito nets on your windows and doors
• Keep your food in tightly closed containers (especially fruit, candy, meat, etc.)
• Cook with the windows closed
• Don’t leave plates with traces of food in the kitchen and store clean utensils in closed places, such as cabinets and drawers, to which insects don’t have access.
• Take precautions if you plan on being away from home for an extended period of time.

Recommendations

In the event of an infestation, an adequate and exhaustive study of the site is necessary in order to establish the origin of the infestation and to identify the hygienic conditions which allow the multiplication of flies.

When flies infest a property, the establishment of a control strategy is necessary. This control program must include hygiene and sanitary measures, exclusion techniques, larvicides, traps, baits, etc.

Getting rid of house flies is a complex job that requires knowledge of the biology and behavior of the insect, a complete analysis of the place and its surroundings, and the participation of the occupants of the place.

To obtain results that are satisfactory, durable, economical and take into account the preservation of the environment, do not hesitate to contact V Extermination.

Our technicians at V Extermination have years of experience and will be happy to answer all your questions. Our team of trained professionals will provide you with pest management solutions adapted to your needs if you are dealing with a fly infestation. Contact us now for an evaluation!