Identification and prevention of harmful insects

The Fly

Appearance

The housefly is between 4 mm and 7.5 mm in length and has 4 dark stripes on the thorax. This winged insect has 6 short legs. The head has two large compound eyes that cover most of its surface and very small antennas.

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A housefly.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of the fly can last 8 days in ideal conditions. Females reproduce 4 generations (close to 1000 eggs) during their lifespan of approximately 3 weeks. The larva (maggot) emerges from the egg after one day and after three molts, transforms to a pupa from which comes an adult fly.

Habitat and Food

Flies are very common insects and are irritating in residential or commercial areas. They are attracted by the presence of decaying debris or excrement from which they feed and where they lay their eggs.

Undesirable Effects

Since the fly is often in contact with all kinds of bacteria and wanders about on people and their food, they could transmit diseases. However, this parasite is often more hated for its irritable buzzing and insistence on landing anywhere on the human body repeatedly.

Signs of Infestation

It doesn’t take long to establish that there is an infestation of flies. They incessantly irritate the occupants of the house, and the buzzing sound is pretty obvious.

Preparation Steps for a Treatment

  • Empty all bins, especially those containing organic waste. Pick up any animal waste around the house.
  • Block all holes and make sure to install window screens (in good condition) wherever possible.
  • Plan that an AJS specialist could place fly traps in your home. These fly traps should not be moved.

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