How Are Flies Getting in My House? The Truth Will Shock You!
Seeing flies buzzing around your house is annoying and doesn’t feel hygienic. They seem to pop into your life from nowhere, but they actually have many reasons for invading your house.
Be it left-over foodstuff or even tiny entry points you never seemed to notice, these pests easily find their way inside. But how do they know to get in, and what attracts them so much?
Discover the shocking truth behind how they invade your home and what you can do to stop them.
Why Are There So Many Flies in Your House?
The sudden presence of flies is usually an indication of abnormal conditions. These pests are prolific breeders and invade where there’s food, moisture, and warmth. One of the major reasons is exposed trash, unsealed food items, or spills left unnoticed.
Flies sneak into houses through open doors, windows, or cracks in walls. Under certain conditions, they may end up laying eggs inside your house, resulting in a full-blown infestation before you realize it.
Once they enter, flies do not just stay there; they multiply. A female fly can lay hundreds of eggs in decaying food or even drains or soil. If such conditions prevail, you may find it almost impossible to eradicate the fly menace.
Types of Flies That Invade Houses
1. Housefly
Houseflies are some of the most unwelcome and uninvited guests in homes. They are around 6 to 7 mm long, have black bodies, and have four clear black lines running to their thorax.
They breed in garbage, manure, and fermenting food. Houseflies spend most of their active hours during the day, while they rest at places of heights during the night, such as ceilings and cabinets.
2. Fruit Fly
Fruit flies are harmless but can be annoying once they invade homes. They measure around ⅛ of an inch and are usually colored bright yellow or tan with red eyes. Overripe fruits, vegetables, or sweet liquids are attractive to fruit flies and make them attractive in your house.
Their reproduction rate is very high, as they lay their eggs in fermenting organic material. Once they invade your kitchen, getting them out can be a big job without proper food storage and cleaning habits.
3. Fungus Gnat
Fungus gnats are very small, mosquito-like flies that mainly infest indoor house plants. Their larvae feed on fungi, plant roots, and decaying organic matter in the soil. They thrive in damp situations, like when plants are overwatered. Adult fungus gnats do not bite but continuously hover around indoor plants.
4. Cluster Fly
Though they seem very similar to house flies, cluster flies are bigger in size and slow in movement. They prefer to stay between the ceilings of the walls and window frames where they find cold. Unlike normal houseflies, cluster flies lay eggs outdoors near earthworm burrows.
During wintertime, they come inside and overpopulate, starting to trouble homeowners.
How Flies Can Get Into Your House
Flies are experts at breaching barriers and can enter houses through little openings available. Flies can enter freely through several ways. This includes open windows or doors without screens.
Cracks around window frames, vents, or gaps from plumbing fixtures are also great openings for flies. Even groceries, houseplants, or pets bring in flies. They quickly settle down in the house and breed if they can find food.
What Do Houseflies Eat?
Houseflies feed on decaying materials. Houseflies feast on trash, putrid food, manure, and even dead animals. This makes them not only filthy but also increases their chance to spread bacteria and diseases. The best way to reduce their food sources and stop infestations is to have tight-fitting lids on trash cans and clean up spills.
What Diseases Do Houseflies Spread?
Houseflies are not just a nuisance; they are also carriers of more than 100 pathogens. These pests spread disease by contaminating food and surfaces with their regurgitated meals and massive droppings. The diseases they carry include:
- Salmonella
- Tuberculosis
- Dysentery
- Cholera
Houseflies do not bite, but their filthy feeding habits make them a serious health hazard.
How to Find Houseflies and Cluster Flies in Your Home
Identifying houseflies and cluster flies will help you better manage an infestation. While similar in outward appearance, they do have important differences:
- Size – Cluster flies are larger than houseflies, growing up to 10 mm in length.
- Flying behavior – Cluster flies are slow and clumsy compared to the fast-moving houseflies.
- Clustering – Cluster flies tend to gather in large groups, particularly in attics or warm corners.
If you notice flies consistently hovering in specific areas, you may have a hidden breeding site that needs to be addressed.
Ways to Control Houseflies in Your Home
Keep a Clean House
The best way to prevent different types of indoor flies is by maintaining cleanliness. Proper sanitation removes their breeding grounds and food sources. Some essential cleaning tips include:
- Take out the trash regularly and seal bins properly.
- Cleaning up food spills and crumbs immediately.
- Covering all food and drinks, especially sweet beverages.
- Keep outdoor trash cans sealed and away from entry points.
- Fixing damaged screens, vents, and door seals to block fly entry.
Use Biological Controls
Nature provides its own pest control solutions. Spiders and parasitic wasps naturally prey on flies, reducing their population. Additionally, Venus flytraps and other carnivorous plants can help capture and consume flies inside your home.
Conclusion
Flies can quickly turn from a minor annoyance into a major infestation. They sneak in through tiny openings, breed in unsanitary conditions, and spread harmful bacteria. The key to controlling them lies in prevention—keeping your home clean, sealing entry points, and addressing any potential breeding grounds. If the problem persists, seeking professional pest control can provide lasting relief.
FAQs
Q: Why do I suddenly have so many flies in my house?
A: Flies are attracted to food waste, moisture, and warmth. If they find a breeding spot inside, their population can grow quickly.
Q: How do I get rid of flies permanently?
A: Consistent cleaning, sealing entry points, and using biological controls like predator insects or flytraps can help manage the problem long-term.
Q: Can flies make me sick?
A: Yes. Flies carry bacteria and viruses that can cause food poisoning, diarrhea, and other illnesses.
Safe Pest Sol: Your Go-To Experts for Flies!
If flies continue to invade your home despite your best efforts, professional pest control may be necessary. Experts like Safe Pest Sol can identify breeding sites, apply safe treatments, and implement long-term solutions to keep flies out. They also inspect hidden areas, such as drains, attics, and walls, where infestations may be lurking.
Warning: If using pesticides, always follow safety guidelines. Keep them away from pets, children, and food areas. Improper use can lead to health risks and environmental contamination.