Flies might seem like a harmless insect species that are keen to share food with humans. However, it is not the case. They are said to be the careers of many lethal and harmful diseases for human beings. Therefore, it is imminent that you understand the different types of flies you see in your neighbourhood and how they can harm you. And then, you will be able to break their habits and ensure a better living environment for you and your loved ones.
These grey coloured insects have four stripes on its thorax; the part between an insect’s head and abdomen. The housefly is the most common species you can find worldwide, and the UAE is no different. They do not have teeth and cannot bite humans under any circumstances. You can quickly identify them with their red eyes as well. Adult house flies have a lifespan of 28 days in high temperature and low temperature. Like any other insects, they can drive dangerous diseases right into your home where you should be safe.
Fruit flies are smaller than houseflies, and they can live up to 25-30 days. An adult fruit fly measures between 3-4 mm and has a brown or tan colour on its body. Some of them showcase a similar trait to house flies with their red eyes, whereas others have darker eyes. They can lay around 500 eggs and have a higher reproduction rate, making it harder for us to control their spread.
Unlike the other flies mentioned above, horseflies prey on mammals. They have sharp teeth to drink blood from our bodies. However, horses are their favourite and hence the name. They are larger, and adults measure up to 10-30 mm in length. Horseflies’ eyes are either purple or green, making them easily identifiable. They are fast and strong and are known to travel even 30 miles in some cases.
Like any other pests, the flies you encounter every day at home thrive under moist conditions and decomposing matter. All flies have a 4-stage life cycle starting with female laying eggs which hatch into the larvae form called maggots. Adult female flies lay eggs in faeces and rotting food where the maggots prosper until they enter the pupae stage of its life cycle, which then evolves into a fly.
Toothless flies like house flies and fruit fly feed on liquids and reach our homes looking out for exposed food. A fly’s sponging mouthparts to liquefy solid food and suck it up. Female horse flies vigorously prey on horses and other mammals whereas male horse flies feed on pollen and plant nectars.
Since flies are found mainly in unsanitary conditions, they are the primary carriers of diseases into your home. They carry harmful bacteria and disease-causing pathogens in their legs and body, which will be transferred to our food when they fly into it. They can spread more than 100 types of pathogens in which salmonellosis, chikungunya, Zika virus, typhoid and tuberculosis ones are the most harmful.
You can prevent a potential fly infestation by ensuring that your surroundings are free from exposed waste food and stagnant waters. However, you cannot wholly control the surroundings as all it takes is broken drainage. So, you can ensure safety in your home by leaving no food exposed for flies to feed on it. Also, ensure that you always clean up your spills and empty your bin. However, we strongly recommend you to hire professional pest control Dubai if you have a severe infestation.