How Can Flies Live in the Cold?

Flies live for about 25 days after they emerge from the pupa stage. During cold weather, they seek out warm dry spaces. They slow down their bodily functions and go into a state of suspended animation. Adult house flies have been observed doing this in our attic.

As the temperatures drop, flies go into a state called diapause, which is a state of inactivity. This process takes weeks, but ends as soon as the weather gets warmer. Then the flies resume their normal life. During their hibernation, flies produce a natural antifreeze known as glycol. This substance helps them to withstand the cold temperatures.

During the winter, flies go into a state of reduced metabolism and collect fat in their bodies. This way, they are less likely to die. Their metabolism slows down when they’re inside, but they still do not need a lot of energy to survive. When outside, they seek warmth to ward off the chill.

Several scientists have studied flies’ ability to survive the cold. They have discovered that flies can change their diet to accommodate the colder temperatures. Some research shows that some species of flies can tolerate temperatures as low as 30 degC.