PEST CONTROL

Although the housefly is one of the most familiar of all insects, the individual who can separate it from other species of flies is quite rare. The housefly is 1/6 to 1/4 inch in length, with the female usually being larger than the male. The sexes can be distinguished from each other by noting the space between their eyes; In females it is almost twice as broad as in males. Fermenting, fresh horse manure is a favorite breeding ground for the housefly. The manure must be less than one-day old to be attractive to the egg-laying adult. Other favored breeding spots are human excreta, cow manure, rotting vegetable refuse, and kitchen garbage. Flies will even breed amongst incinerated garbage if it is fresh and wet. The common housefly is not only an unbearable nuisance, but they also pose a much larger threat than perceived.

Houseflies are a carrier of disease to organisms such as typhoid fever, cholera, summer diarrhea, dysentery, tuberculosis, and anthrax. The housefly feeds on fecal material, vomit, and sputum; After, it might alight on food and potentially contaminate through excretion and regurgitation. Its body is covered by fine hairs and bristles which pick up dirt particles. Overall, the housefly circulates bacteria anywhere it comes to rest.