Do Flies Need Air?

The answer to the question, “Do flies need air?” might surprise you. Flies don’t have lungs and therefore no blood that carries oxygen, so they breathe through tiny openings called spiracles. These spiracles connect to a complex system of tubes, called trachea, that reach deep into the body to deliver oxygen and remove carbon dioxide. The trachea branch from the dorsal trunk and imaginal discs.

The tracheae, or air-filled tubes, branch off into tracheoles, which are dead ends. The air that flows through these structures diffuses into the insect’s cell, and then out into the air. However, some insects can survive even without air, and some can survive for hours without it.

The first step to preventing flies from establishing their colonies in your home is to ensure that your home is free of debris. Clean out the trash, and make sure the air conditioner is not set too high. Rather, keep it in the mid-70s. This is because higher humidity encourages the flies to lay their eggs.

Houseflies live on walls, floors, and ceilings, and are attracted to windows because of the warmth. They also eat dead things that are on the ground, and they defecate frequently. They can also sleep in plants, garbage cans, and fence wires.

Continue reading:

What Happens When You Kill a Fly? Can You Use Fly Spray When Pregnant? Can You Eat Fly Honeysuckle Berries? If You Can’t Fly, You Can’t Fly What’s the Difference Between Flies and Flys? Can Flies See the Color White? How Do Flies Remove Their Head? How Can Flies Pee on You?