How Long Can a Housefly Live? The Surprising Answer!

A housefly is one of the most common insects we see daily. They are usually found around our houses, especially during the hot summer months. Despite being notoriously irritating, these pests are fascinating creatures. One question that many people have asked is “How Long Can a Housefly Live?”. Despite being small insects, they can live for a long time under the right conditions.

The Average Lifespan of a Housefly

The lifespan of a housefly is influenced by various factors, including environmental conditions, genetics, and food availability. On average, a housefly lives for about 28 days. However, some may die after just two weeks while others can live up to 60 days. The gender of the housefly also plays a role in their lifespan.

What Determines the Lifespan of a Housefly?

Environmental Conditions

Like most insects, houseflies are cold-blooded, meaning their body temperature depends on the environment. When the temperature is too hot or too cold, houseflies tend to die. A temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit is the most suitable for their survival.

Humidity also affects the life of a housefly. If the environment is too dry, houseflies will die because they need moisture to survive. Also, the availability of water and food plays a significant role in their lifespan.

Genetics and Gender

The lifespan of a housefly also depends on their genetics. Some houseflies may have genes that might make them live longer than others. Also, males tend to die earlier than females because their sole purpose is to fertilize the eggs. Females, on the other hand, need to live longer to lay their eggs.

Food Availability

Houseflies feed on human and animal waste, decaying organic matter, nectar, and fruit juices. Therefore, the availability of food strongly influences their lifespan. When houseflies do not get enough food, they tend to die early.

The Life Cycle of a Housefly

Houseflies have a four-stage lifecycle: egg, larvae, pupae, and adult. Their eggs are white in color, and a female housefly can lay up to 150 eggs at a time. After about 24 hours, the eggs hatch into legless maggot larvae. The larvae feed on decaying organic matter and molt twice before entering the pupal stage. During the pupal stage, they undergo metamorphosis, which takes between 3 to 6 days. Finally, the adult housefly emerges from the pupal case as a full-grown insect with wings capable of flying.

How to Control Houseflies from Intruding Your Home

Keep Your House Clean

  • Clean your kitchen and bathroom regularly since houseflies are attracted to moisture and dirt.
  • Store your food in airtight containers to prevent houseflies’ access to food.
  • Clean your pets’ feeding bowls and litter boxes daily.

Use Natural Repellants

Houseflies cannot tolerate certain smells that are pungent to them. Some natural repellents include:

  • Essential oils like peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus
  • Placing bay leaves on your kitchen shelves
  • Placing a sliced onion or a garlic clove in different rooms around your house to repel houseflies

Use Fly Traps

You can purchase fly traps at any local hardware store. Fly traps use an attractant to lure the fly into the trap where it gets stuck on fly paper or glue.

The Bottom Line

Houseflies can live up to 60 days, but their typical lifespan is around 28 days. Many factors influence their lifespan, including environmental conditions, genetics, and food availability. To keep houseflies from intruding your home, keep your house clean, use natural repellents and fly traps.

Unordered List of Questions and Answers

  • What is the lifespan of a housefly? – Houseflies can live up to 60 days but their typical lifespan is around 28 days.
  • What determines the lifespan of a housefly? – Factors that determine a housefly’s lifespan include environmental conditions, genetics, and food availability.
  • What is the lifecycle of a housefly? – Houseflies have a four-stage lifecycle: egg, larvae, pupae, and adult.
  • What can I do to control houseflies from intruding my home? – You can control houseflies from intruding your home by keeping your house clean, using natural repellants, and using fly traps.

References

  • “House Fly, Musca domestica Linnaeus.” NC State Extension.https://entomology.ces.ncsu.edu/pest/musca-domestica/
  • “House Fly” Animal Diversity Web.https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Musca_domestica/

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