Everyone’s favorite house guests are back! It’s the summertime, and the house flies are out in full force. And though they like the heat, they don’t like it extreme or dry. The prospect of finding air conditioning, along with decomposing garbage in your trash bin (or yard, re: dog waste), are a combination of benefits that are just too good for them to refuse. And aside from being a general nuisance, they also spread germs! Here are a few quick tidbits on the house fly.

Are all flies considered House Flies?

Nope! They are related to but distinct from flesh flies, blow flies, drain flies, phorid flies and fruit flies.

How do I tell a house fly from other flies?

As shown in the video below, the adults are small dark gray flies, about ¼ inch in length with a light grayish-tan colored abdomen and red eyes. They also have length-wise black stripes down their back, or thorax.

Do house flies bite?

House flies do not bite or sting – they don’t have the mouth parts (or other body parts) to do either. Their mouth is an extendable “sucker” that they push down onto surfaces to draw up food. However, other similar-looking types of flies do bite, in order to suck blood – specifically the females.

Do house flies carry disease?

Yes! In short, they are filthy. According to the University of Arizona, the diseases they carry include bacteria that can cause digestive illnesses, as well as dysentery, typhoid, cholera, and eye infections – but none of it through biting. They carry it on them and in their bodies, so really anything they touch (or any part of their bodies or their remnants) can yield the organisms that cause these conditions. In other words, be sure to clean off your counter or table if you swat one with your fly swatter – because all of that bacteria just got smeared all over it.

How do I prevent house flies?

Keep your trash in trash bins with lids and in trash bags that are sturdy enough not to tear open, and keep trash cans as far away from the openings of your house as possible (windows, doors, vents, etc.). Be sure to clean out trash cans occasionally as well. Also, keep pet waste picked up and contained securely.

Lastly, keep your doors and windows closed, and check to ensure they are properly sealed and that screens are in good shape.

If house flies are overrunning your house, give us a call! We can help you identify the source of the problem and develop a solution that is perfect for you and your family. Also, be sure to check our other post about more common household pests!