Flies are extremely common pests that often live in close association with humans. The common housefly (musca domestica) may not seem like a huge problem at first thought, but they can spread many diseases that can sicken you and your family. Let’s take a closer look at how flies spread disease and how Sunshine Coast pest control can help.
Feeding Habits
Flies feed on human foods, garbage, sweat, feces, and many more germ ridden things. As they crawl and feed on these surfaces, they will pick up disease-causing organisms along the way. After eating, these organisms can remain in the fly’s crop or gut for several days. When a fly eats, it must wet any solid food with saliva so that it can be dissolved before ingestion. This regurgitation means that all the bacteria and disease-causing organisms will then be transferred to new surfaces, and the cycle continues.
Breeding Habits
Preferred breeding sites are another reason that flies spread so much disease. Flies like to deposit their eggs on decaying or fermenting organic material that can either be plant or animal in origin. This may include rotten fruits or vegetables, compost, sewage, animal feces, and more. As they land on these surfaces, they pick up germs on their feet, bodies, and wings. Wherever they land next will likely then be contaminated as well.
Diseases
When you understand what flies eat and where they breed, it becomes clear that they can spread disease, but it may surprise you how many they may be responsible for. The most common are diseases of the digestive system like diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, and typhoid, but did you know that they can also cause skin and eye diseases. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that flies are responsible for spreading more than 65 different diseases. You can be infected with these diseases by using contaminated silverware, eating off contaminated surfaces, consuming infected food and drink, or direct contact with your eyes, mouth, or open sores.
Fly Control
As we learn more about flies, we find out that fly control is much more important than we ever thought. A well-balanced approach to fly control typically offers that best results and should include these measures:
- Sanitation Efforts: Store food properly, keep utensils and food prep areas clean, wipe up spills immediately
- Elimination of Breeding Sites: Clean up after pets, take out the rubbish bin regularly, make sure that bins have tight-fitting lids, Clean up any rotting fruits or vegetables from trees or gardens
- Extermination Methods: Insecticides, traps, sticky tape, fly swatters, professional fly control
If you are having trouble dealing with flies, call the professionals at Radar Pest Control. Our expert technicians, excellent customer care, and fast service make us the best for pest control on the Sunshine Coast. We will help keep your family safe and pest free. Contact us today.