How Long do Flies Live Indoors?
Homeowners will be pleased to learn that — when deprived of food and water — flies will only last inside 2 – 3 days indoors. One could argue, however, that any second spent sharing your home with a fly is one second too long.
To avoid playing host to unwanted house flies, homeowners must first understand what makes their space such a prime breeding ground for these pesky critters. In this blog, we’ll answer:
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- Where do flies lay their eggs?
- How long can flies live indoors without food or water?
- Will house flies go away from inside my house?
- When to contact a fly control professional?
Where do Flies Lay Their Eggs?
The common house fly is a small, flying insect with a dull gray body approximately ¼ inch in length. They usually lay their eggs on moist, decaying, organic materials, including:
- Animal feces
- Trash
- Grass clippings
White, legless maggots hatch from the eggs, growing to about ½ inch in size before entering their pupal stage. A dark brown cocoon called the puparium is formed, and later, the flies emerge as adults that can search for egg-laying sites to perpetuate the cycle.
How Long Can Flies Live Indoors Without Food or Water?
The exact life cycle of a fly depends on the species. However, the general life expectancy for a housefly is 15 – 30 days when kept in optimal conditions. Flies thrive in moist, warm environments with lots of food and water sources. This is why proper prevention and pest control techniques are critical for preventing an infestation.
When deprived of food and water, the life expectancy for house flies drops significantly. Flies can only survive for 2 – 3 days without food or water.
Will House Flies Go Away from Inside My House?
Yes, house flies will go away if they come inside your house. In most cases, a housefly will die on its own from stress as it tries to escape your home. The key to getting rid of flies quickly is making sure your home is not attractive to them. To help get rid of unwanted house flies, homeowners should:
- Remove any standing water, such as pet bowls or dirty dishes
- Clean up trash and secure bins with a tight lid :
- Store leftovers inside the refrigerator
- Keep toilet lids closed when not in use
When to Contact a Fly Control Professional
While house flies will go away on their own most of the time, there are occasions when an infestation deserves professional attention. Be on the lookout for the following signs that indicate it’s time to contact a fly control professional:
- Dark Clusters: If you notice small, dark clusters of spots inside light fixtures or high up on walls and ceilings, this could be a sign of a housefly breeding ground.
- Fly Sightings: Large numbers of flies buzzing around your property should be monitored closely — especially when observed near garbage areas.
- Maggot Sightings: Spotting maggots means flies are reproducing in or around your home, which could lead to a serious infestation.
When you need help eliminating flies from your home, GreenHow is here to help. Our team has years of experience removing fly infestations with the most powerful yet eco-friendly materials available. Allow us to flush out the flies in your home once and for all by calling us at (617) 964-4733 to request a free fly inspection today!
