Flies

There are more than 120,000 species of flies worldwide. Most flies
live an average of 21 days and take on various shapes throughout their short
lives. Baby flies are called larvae but they are also known as maggots. Medical doctors
use a special species of maggots to help patients with flesh wounds,
especially burn victims. Maggots eat away the damaged flesh, which helps the
wound heal.

Fruit Fly

Fruit flies live for 8-10 days. In that time, females lay around 500
eggs, using rotting fruit or vegetables as their nest.

Size: 1/8"

Shape: Small, oval

Color: Tan

Legs: 6

Wings: Yes

Antenna: Yes

Common Name: Fruit Fly

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Insecta

Order: Diptera

Family: Drosophilidae

Species: Drosophila
melanogaster

DIET

Fruit flies feed on decaying fruits and vegetables.
HABITAT

Fruit flies are commonly found in homes, restaurants and other facilities
where food is processed. They are especially attracted to garbage that has
just been sitting around.
IMPACT

Fruit flies are found in unsanitary conditions like garbage dumps and trashcans. When
they are around, humans can become very sick.
PREVENTION

Keep your home clean.

Remove kitchen trash every day and keep kitchen counters clean.

Immediately remove rotting food from your home.

House Fly

These pests 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 taste with their
feet, which are 10 million times more sensitive to sugar than the human
tongue!

Size: 1/4"

Shape: Small, oval

Color: Dark grey

Legs: 6

Wings: Yes

Antenna: Yes

Common Name: House Fly

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Insecta

Order: Diptera

Family: Muscidae

Species: Musca
domestica

DIET

Flies do not have teeth or a stinger. Their mouths absorb food like a
sponge. They can only eat liquids but they can turn many solid foods into a
liquid through spitting or vomiting on it. Their tongues are shaped like
straws so they can suck up their food. They eat any wet or decaying matter,
but they are particularly attracted to pet waste because the odor is strong
and it is easy for them to find.

HABITAT

House flies tend to stay within 1-2 miles of where they were born but will
travel up to 20 miles to find food. They breed in garbage cans, compost heaps
and pet areas.

IMPACT

These insects have been known to carry over 100 different kinds of disease
causing germs.

PREVENTION

Keep you homes clean.

Remove trash regularly and seal your garbage cans.

Clean up pet waste immediately.

Use fine mesh screens on doors and windows to prevent flies from getting
into your home.

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