The House Fly in Somerset, Kentucky:
Understanding and Managing These Common Pests
Pest Expert Matthew S. Hess – 07/08/2025
When summer rolls around in Somerset, Kentucky, so do the pesky house flies (Musca domestica). These ubiquitous insects can be a nuisance in our homes and gardens, but understanding their behavior and biology can help us manage them effectively. Let’s dive into the world of house flies, their impact on our lives, and how we can keep them at bay.
The Basics of House Flies
Biology and Life Cycle
House flies are small, typically measuring about 1/8 to 1/4 inch long. They have a grayish body with four dark stripes on their thorax and large, red compound eyes. Their life cycle consists of four stages: egg, larva (maggot), pupa, and adult.
- Eggs: A female house fly can lay up to 500 eggs in her lifetime, often in decaying organic matter, garbage, or animal waste.
- Larvae: The eggs hatch into maggots within 24 hours, which then feed on organic materials.
- Pupae: After feeding, the maggots enter the pupal stage, where they undergo metamorphosis before emerging as adults in about a week.
Habitat and Behavior
House flies thrive in environments with abundant food and moisture. You’ll typically find them near kitchens, garbage cans, and outdoor dining areas. They are attracted to food odors and can quickly become a common sight during outdoor gatherings.
A fun fact about the housefly is that it primarily consumes liquids through its straw-like proboscis since they lack chewing mouth parts. So why do they land on our solid foods? They can actually turn solids into liquids by regurgitating digestive fluids onto the solids to turn them into digestible liquids. That’s right… Flies are throwing up on your food! We know, it’s really not such a fun fact after all!
Health Risks and Property Damage
House flies are not just bothersome; they can carry pathogens that pose health risks to humans. They are known to transmit diseases such as:
- Salmonella: A bacterium that can cause food poisoning.
- E. coli: Another pathogen associated with severe gastrointestinal illnesses.
- Shigella: A bacterium that can lead to dysentery.
As flies land on food, they can contaminate it with bacteria from their bodies and feces. This is particularly concerning in residential kitchens and restaurants.
In addition to health risks, house flies can also cause property damage by contaminating food supplies, leading to waste and increased grocery costs.
Control Options
Sanitation
The first line of defense against house flies is maintaining cleanliness. Here are some tips:
- Keep Food Covered: Always cover food when outdoors and store it in airtight containers indoors.
- Dispose of Waste Properly: Regularly empty trash bins and compost piles to eliminate breeding sites.
Physical Barriers
Using screens on windows and doors can help keep flies out of your home. Ensure that any tears in the screens are repaired to prevent entry.
Insect Traps
Consider using fly traps, such as sticky traps or electric fly zappers, to effectively capture flies. Place these traps in areas where flies are most active.
Professional Pest Control
If you find that house flies are becoming a persistent problem, Four Seasons can provide comprehensive solutions tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
House flies may seem like a minor annoyance, but their potential health risks and ability to contaminate food can have significant implications. By understanding their biology and implementing effective control measures, Four Seasons can keep your home safe and comfortable.
If you have more questions about managing house flies or need help with pest control in your area, We’re here to help!
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). “House Flies.” Retrieved from CDC
- University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. (2020). “House Fly Management.”
And remember, it’s okay to live among pests… but you don’t have to live with them!
