House Fly

Natural Habitat

Global distribution; primarily found near human habitation, farms, and wherever organic waste is present.

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed on liquids and semi-solid substances such as rotting food, feces, and sugary liquids through sponging mouthparts; larvae (maggots) consume decaying organic matter.

Behavior Patterns

Diurnal and active year-round in warm climates; capable of laying hundreds of eggs in a lifespan; known for rapid flight and frequent movement between unsanitary surfaces.

Risks & Benefits

Significant risk as a vector for pathogens causing diseases like cholera, typhoid, and salmonellosis; benefits include serving as a food source for birds and spiders, and aiding in the decomposition of waste.

Identified on: 5/25/2026