House
Flies
Order: Diptera
Family: Muscidae
Scientific Name: Musca domestica
Color: Grey
Legs: Six
Shape: Small oval
Size: 1/4"
Antennae: Yes
Flight: Yes
House flies get their name from being the most common fly found
around homes. Adult house flies can grow to one-quarter of an inch
long and usually live between 15 and 25 days. House Flies can be
found throughout the United States.
Habits
They are only able to feed on liquids but have the ability to turn
many solid foods into a liquid for them to eat. House flies taste
with their feet, which are 10 million times more sensitive to sugar
than the human tongue.
Habitat
House flies tend to stay within 1-2 miles of where they were born;
however, they have been known to migrate up to 20 miles to find
food.
Threats
These insects have been known to carry over 100 different kinds
of disease-causing germs, which makes them very bad house guests.
Prevention
House flies can be controlled through vigilant sanitation. Remove
trash regularly and use well-sealing garbage receptacles. Clean
up pet waste immediately. Use fine mesh screens on doors and windows
to prevent fly entry.
(Source: National Pest Management Association, et. al.)
|