Why Does a Fly Make a Buzzing Noise?
WouterA buzzing noise is a characteristic of flying flies. The sound is produced when a fly beats its wings together. The beating is done 200 times per second, which is a lot of speed for one insect. It also creates a humming sound when it flaps its wings.
The buzzing noise is caused by the buzzing of two wings of a fruit fly. Other insects also produce a similar noise by beating their wings together. The buzzing noise is a result of overstimulation of the auditory nerves. The overstimulation causes the brain to release more dopamine, which stimulates reward centers. Dopamine is involved in many human behaviors, including food consumption, sex, and drug use. Several factors contribute to the buzzing noise, including light, smell, and humidity.
One reason for the buzzing noise is that flies are mating. Female houseflies spread their wings during sex and the male flies flutter on the female, making a buzzing noise. The mating noise is also heard by predators, such as bats. In one study, researchers found that fewer bats visited pairs of houseflies engaged in sex because the noise made them visible to bats.
Another common cause of a buzzing noise is a leaking sewer. This happens when sewage seeps through the sewer pipes and attracts flies. This caused a man who worked at an interstate rest area service to call his local extension office and report the problem. The man was able to verify the presence of the flies at that rest area and said that he would call a plumber to inspect the pipes.
