How Long Do Big Flies Live?
WouterAdult flies have a short life span, usually between 15 and 25 days, although they can live up to two months in some cases. Their lifespan is increased by the presence of a suitable food source, especially in cooler temperatures. Adult flies are also more likely to reproduce in a cooler environment. Their reproductive capacity is impressive, with females laying up to 500 eggs during their lifetime.
Flies lay eggs on decaying organic matter, including decaying wood and meat. Eventually, the eggs hatch into maggots. The pupae live for approximately eight to twenty hours, and the emerging fly is about five to six millimeters long. They hatch from the pupal case using a ptilinum (a small, slender wing) to break through the pupal case.
Despite their short life span, flies can be harmful to humans. They can contaminate food and can carry disease. If you have a home or a business that is plagued by flies, you should hire a pest control service to deal with the problem.
If you have a home with flies, it is important to remove any food and debris to prevent them from nesting. A typical housefly can live for up to 45 days when provided with adequate food. If it escapes, however, it will typically return to the same place each year, and can easily produce 500 eggs over the course of its lifetime.
