Why Do Flies Turn Into Maggots?

If you’ve ever wondered how flies transform, you’ve probably wondered why they turn into maggots. In order to answer this question, you need to understand the basics of fly development. Flies begin life as eggs. They’re the size of grains of rice, and hatch between eight and twenty hours after the adult flies lay them. The larvae then go through five stages, known as instars. These stages differ in length and appearance. They are off-white and look like small worms. They have thin heads, kidney-shaped markings, and visible mouths.

Maggots are very hungry. They need to feed continuously to grow. That’s why they feed on pet food, leftovers, and dead animals. You can take steps to avoid these maggots by preventing fly eggs from being laid. However, if you’re unable to avoid flies altogether, it’s best to take your dog to a vet.

Maggots are not dangerous to humans. In fact, they’re often the first insects to reach a corpse, where they can feed on the flesh. Forensic entomologists use this information to help solve crimes. Their findings can reveal the exact time of death by determining when blowflies appear on a crime scene.

A maggot infestation will lead to painful swelling on the affected area. Some people even experience subcutaneous nodules. Maggots may engorge wounds or decaying flesh. However, in many cases, myiasis is harmless. It’s important to note that, even if the maggots are harmless, the psychological impact is still substantial.