What Do House Flies Look Like?
House flies are one of the most common pests found in homes and businesses throughout Milwaukee, Wisconsin. House flies are gray with four black stripes on their thorax. They have slightly hairy bodies, one pair of translucent wings, and red compound eyes. These flies are about 4 to 7 mm in length. House fly larvae, or maggots, look like small pale worms.
What are the Signs of a House Fly Infestation?
The house fly is the most common fly found in and around homes. They are often seen flying around in kitchens or near trash cans. Open doors and windows are common entry points for flies. House flies can enter buildings through ripped window screens, foundation cracks, and packages. House flies leave tiny fecal spots around the home, especially on window sills, trash cans, and countertops near food.
House Fly Control in Milwaukee, WI
Advanced Wildlife and Pest Control offers professional fly control services in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin. Our certified pest exterminators provide reliable, long-lasting solutions to eliminate nuisance house flies for homeowners and businesses. Our targeted pest treatments and recurring maintenance services will ensure your property remains pest-free throughout the year.
Are House Flies Harmful?
House flies are generally considered a nuisance pest. These filthy insects breed and feed in unsanitary areas, such as garbage. House flies can contaminate food, cooking surfaces, and utensils with harmful bacteria and disease-causing pathogens, like E. coli, salmonella, cholera, tularemia, typhoid fever, and dysentery.
How Can I Prevent House Flies?
The following prevention tips will help deter house flies from your property.
- Excellent sanitation is the best way to prevent house flies.
- Clean up crumbs, spills, and food debris.
- Regularly take out the garbage.
- Store food inside airtight containers or in the refrigerator.
- Seal any gaps or cracks in the foundation, exterior walls, doors, and windows.
- Repair any torn door or window screens.
- Place weather stripping around windows and doors.
House Fly FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Do house flies bite?
No, house flies do not bite humans. They have sponge-like mouthparts designed for feeding on liquids, not puncturing skin to feed on blood.
What is the life cycle of a house fly?
House flies undergo a complete metamorphosis from egg to adult. Female house flies lay their eggs in decaying matter, such as garbage or animal feces. They can lay a total of five to six batches of 100 eggs. The larvae will hatch within a few hours to a few days and feed on the decaying matter. The house fly life cycle can take 14 to 30 days from egg to adult. Adult house flies can live up to 30 days.