How Long Do Flies Live Trapped in a House?
WouterThe life cycle of a fly consists of four distinct phases. The flies spend their time in the pupa, or pupae stage, during the cold months. Once the weather warms up, they complete their development and emerge as adult flies. As their lifespan is relatively short, knowing these facts will help you to fight back when encountering flies.
The life span of a female fruit fly is similar to that of a female house fly. Female fruit flies lay up to two thousand eggs, usually on moist and decaying surfaces. Once the eggs hatch, they will live for eight to fifteen days. When in an ideal environment, they can live for up to thirty days.
House flies, on the other hand, can live for two to three days without food or water. They are not stinging insects, but the interior of a house is very stressful for them. They often bounce around, trying to find a way out. Even though they are not meant for air-conditioned environments, they are incredibly hardy, and can survive trapped in a house for up to two weeks.
Fly larvae are tiny, resembling a legless caterpillar. In the wild, a female fly can breed within two days. The pupae stage lasts between three and six days. During that time, they develop legs and wings. They feed on organic matter and feed on rotting plants. They do not have teeth, but they do have a fluid-filled pouch in their head that they use to break through their shell.
