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Fly



Order Diptera, family Muscidae, Musca domestica

Adult--1/8" to 1/2"

You know what a house fly looks like. Round, lots of bristles, long legs--lovely! Mouthparts are spongelike.

Eggs to larvae to pupae to adults in just eight days. House fly eggs are laid in masses in dung or rotting organic matter. Maggot-like larvae develop fast and pupate in about a week. Complete metamorphosis.

Flowers, excrement, and decaying organic matter.

House flies feed by lapping up liquids with their spongelike mouthparts.

Vectors of several diseases and can be troublesome to livestock and humans.

Control: Fly parasites, flycatchers and other birds, dragonflies, and beneficial microorganisms. Fly swatters and natural diatomaceous earth fed to animals. Releasing the beneficial insect known as the fly parasite will eliminate almost any fly problem. Spray with citrus oil products.

House flies don't bite as horse flies do. Fly larva maggots are important in helping to dispose of organic waste.

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Hanging clear plastic bags filled with water help keep the flies away.

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