How Do Flies Turn Into Maggots?
WouterWhen a fly lands on your food, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s contaminated. While flies can carry bacteria, viruses, and parasites, these tiny insects are unlikely to cause a chain reaction of illnesses. But if you ingest fly eggs or larvae, you may end up with intestinal myiasis, which can cause gastrointestinal pain, diarrhea, or vomiting. Flies develop through three larval stages before pupating.
The maggots will feed on whatever they find nearby, but they tend to prefer dead animals, manure, or rotting vegetables. After the larvae reach the larvae stage, they migrate to a dry, high place, where they can continue feeding and develop into flies. The transformation process takes about four days, depending on the age of the pupae.
In many ecosystems, fly maggots perform an important decomposition function, which returns nutrients to the soil. These insects are a fascinating part of the ecosystem. If left unchecked, maggot populations can grow exponentially. Luckily, natural predators and parasites keep the population in check. Moreover, using insecticides such as Flex 10-10 or Martin’s IG Regulator can help you eliminate your maggot problem.
Maggots are larvae of flies, and they can reach up to half an inch in size. They resemble worms but are off-white in color. They have a small head and are covered in spiracles, which allow them to breathe.
