How Long Do House Flies Live in the House?
Flies can be annoying pests for homeowners. One of the most common types is the housefly. This insect originated during the Cenozoic Era in the Middle East and is the most common fly species found in houses today. These creatures can live for up to three weeks inside a house.
The lifespan of a fly depends on several factors, including food and water. If food is scarce, a fly can live for up to 24 hours. Food is vital because a fly needs sugar to survive and enough protein for its eggs to hatch. The fly’s lifespan is usually shorter than yours, so it’s important to remove the source of food as soon as possible.
During the larval stage, flies feed on rotting food. The larval stage can last for hours or days. When the larvae reach a certain size, they enter the pupal stage. The pupae are larger than maggots and are no longer cylindrical in shape. They seek out a dark, quiet place to develop their wings and legs.
Adult house flies are grayish in color and about an eighth to a quarter of an inch long. The female is larger than the male. The female will lay eggs on warm surfaces that will provide food for their larvae. These areas are often trash cans or animal droppings. The eggs may take eight to twenty hours to hatch.