House fly

Natural Habitat

Globally distributed, commonly found in human dwellings, farms, and areas with decaying organic matter (e.g., garbage dumps, manure piles)

Diet & Feeding

Adult house flies feed on a wide range of liquid or semi-liquid substances, including decaying organic matter, animal feces, human food, and sugary liquids. They regurgitate digestive juices onto solid food to liquefy it before ingesting.

Behavior Patterns

Adult house flies are active during the day, frequently resting on surfaces outdoors and indoors. They are skilled fliers and can travel several miles. Females lay hundreds of eggs in batches on decaying organic matter, which hatch into maggots (larvae). These larvae feed and grow, then pupate into adults. The entire life cycle can be completed in as little as 7-10 days under optimal conditions.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: House flies are significant vectors of disease, mechanically transmitting a wide variety of pathogens including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, which can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, dysentery, and food poisoning. They can also cause nuisance and irritation. Benefits: In natural ecosystems, house fly larvae contribute to the decomposition of organic matter, acting as scavengers. However, in human-dominated environments, their negative impacts as disease vectors generally outweigh any potential benefits.

Identified on: 9/19/2025