How long do house flies live?

As we head into summer, it is time to start thinking about throwing some burgers and hot dogs on the grill. Unfortunately, where there is tasty food, there will be annoying flies. These food-hounding pests seem to show up whenever the grill is fired up, the picnic basket is pulled out or your bacon-cheeseburger arrives at the table. Have they no sense of decency?

The bad news is, house flies are prevalent in California and the Pacific Northwest. But Western Exterminator understands just how to eliminate these pests from your property so you can enjoy the summer without the disturbance they bring. We are well-versed in the appropriate fly control methods for eliminating an infestation. If you have a problem with flies around your home or business, then be sure to contact the experts at Western for more information about how we can help!

House fly lifespan

House flies do not stray far from home during their short lifespan – adults typically live a mere 15 to 25 days depending on the temperature – and stay within a mile or two of their habitat. During the day, they rest on surfaces at or below 5 feet from the ground; at night they rest above the 5 foot level, but always near a food source (no big surprise there!).

Don’t be fooled by their name. House flies are commonly encountered pests in both residential and commercial settings. You should watch out for them whether you own a home or run a restaurant, grocery store or another establishment. Not only are house flies a nuisance, but also are carriers of diseases such as salmonella and other harmful bacteria.

House fly eggs

Adult house flies are dull gray in color and measure 1/8 to 1/4 inch in length. Females, which are larger than males, will lay their legs on most any warm, material that provides a food supply. This could include manure or the trash in your kitchen. And they are so dirty that it’s just plain disgusting! House fly eggs take about eight to 20 hours to hatch.

Before you go on vacation this summer, make sure you take out your garbage; otherwise, flies could start developing there.

House fly life cycle

After house fly eggs hatch, they are known as larvae, or maggots. Mature larvae measure from around ¼ to ⅜ inch in length, have no legs, and are cream in color. They undergo multiple molts and then complete the pupa stage, which can last from three days to four weeks based on conditions.

When it is time to pupate, the larvae go to a dry location. During this time, they become adults. Overall, house flies undergo what is known as complete metamorphosis.

House flies collect bacteria and other disease organisms on the sticky pads of their legs and the hairs on their body after landing on garbage, feces or animal carcasses. They in turn transfer the bacteria and organisms when they come in contact with food or surfaces. They transmit disease by excreting and regurgitating what they ate.

Western is your expert in fly control

How do you keep house flies from becoming an unwelcome guest to your next outdoor party or your restaurant’s patio? By keeping it clean. Sanitation is the key step to reducing house flies, as well as identifying breeding sites. Getting rid of material where they could breed is crucial for preventing an infestation.

Use tight-fitting closures for garbage receptacles and make sure to empty, clean, and dry them regularly. When serving food outdoors, make sure to cover the food securely when it is not being served. Cleaning up after pests will help curb their attraction to your burger and potato salad.

If you see house flies on the inside of your home or office, check window screens and door seals to make sure there are no openings that give them access to the structure. Finding and eliminating the source of house flies is the best way to achieve long-term control.

If you already have a fly infestation, though, call in a fly control professional to address the issue. Western Exterminator specialists are well-versed in how to control flies and eradicate them. For homes, treatment may include bait and we might also advise that you improve sanitation if necessary. For businesses, control methods may involve fly lights or other solutions.

Get in touch with Western Exterminator for your fly control needs. We will find a solution to eliminate these disgusting, unwanted visitors once and for all.