How to Tell Flies From Maggots
Flies and maggots both lay eggs. While they may appear similar, maggots do not actually die by being cooked. Maggots develop rapidly and reach a full size within a few weeks. They spend about five weeks in the pupa stage. Then, in the spring, they emerge as adults. This cycle repeats every year, but some species take two years to develop.
Maggots feed on food and decomposing materials. Therefore, it’s a good idea to remove any trash or food that may have become rotten. You can also spray the area with an insecticide to kill the larvae. If the infestation is indoors, you should also clean up any pet waste or spoiled dog food.
To kill a fly infestation, use a liquid insecticide such as Flex 10-10 or Martin’s IG Regulator. These insecticides are professional grade and are labeled for use on flies and maggots. IG Regulators (IG) retard maggot development and kill flies by preventing their reproduction.
Maggots and flies live in a variety of environments. In the human environment, they are usually found in garbage bins. They eat rotting meat, overripe fruit, and plant matter. They also consume feces from most animals. Their diet is rich in various bacteria and transmittable diseases. There are certain plants that attract flies and attract them to their breeding sites. They may lay their eggs in these plants.