When Do Maggots Turn Into Flies?
WouterThe maggot is the larval stage of a fly. It is legless and feeds at the site where it hatches for three to five days. During this time, it molts several times, storing energy for later use. At this stage, it can consume 60 per cent of a human body. It then burrows into the food source.
In order to turn into a fly, a maggot must feed and store enough energy to grow into an adult. Once it is sufficiently full of food, it will leave its dark breeding spot and enter the pupation stage. It will then grow into a cocoon to protect itself from predators. Then, it will develop into an adult fly after a few days.
During the warmer months, flies breed freely. Once hatched, a female fly produces hundreds of eggs, which she leaves in a clump of suitable substrate. The female flies care little about the eggs they lay, which they keep protected and provided with food. The eggs contain decaying organic material, including human and animal flesh. The larvae then undergo five molt stages before they reach adulthood. Each molt stage is followed by an egg laying stage. The eggs are gray in color and around four to 7.5 millimeters wide.
If you suspect that you have maggot infestation, the first step is to identify the source of the maggots. The maggots are attracted to rotting food and materials. They lay their eggs on these areas and hatch into maggots. If the source of the maggots is a food source, remove the source immediately. Alternatively, the maggots may find their way into your home through an open door or window.
