Flies are one of the most common pests humans face every day. They are annoying, sometimes carry diseases, and can ruin your picnic. However, before the buzzing and the frustration, before the swatting and the shooing, there is something you may not have considered: their eggs. In this article, we are going to take a closer look at what a fly egg looks like and learn more about nature’s tiny ovals.
What Are Fly Eggs?
A fly egg, as the name suggests, is a single cell organism that is laid by an adult female fly. As with all other insects, the female fly has two reproductive organs – the ovary and the oviduct. The ovary stores the eggs, which are then transported through the oviduct to the outside of the body.
When a female fly is ready to lay her eggs, she will usually look for a moist and warm environment to ensure their survival. This could be anything from rotting organic matter to animal feces, depending on the species of fly. Once she has found a suitable spot, she will lay her eggs in clusters or batches, usually in the hundreds.
What Does a Fly Egg Look Like?
What a fly egg looks like will depend on the species of fly. However, most fly eggs are oval or cylindrical, and usually no larger than a grain of rice. They are typically white or creamy in color, and their surface is usually smooth, with no visible pores.
In some species, the eggs may have a slightly yellow or green hue, depending on the type of food the female fly has consumed before laying them.
The Stages of Fly Egg Development
A fly egg hatches into a larvae after a few days, which then goes through several molting stages before becoming a fully grown fly. Here are the stages in more detail:
Stage 1: The Egg
The egg is usually laid in a warm, moist environment, and hatches in one to three days, depending on the species of fly and the temperature.
Stage 2: The Larvae
After hatching, the larvae emerges and begins to feed on the organic matter around it. It grows rapidly and sheds its skin several times as it grows. The larvae stage can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the species and the conditions.
Stage 3: Pupae
As the larvae grows and prepares to enter the pupal stage, it will typically leave the food source and find a safe, dry space to transform.
The pupal stage is a bit like a cocoon, where the fly’s body undergoes significant changes, and it transforms into its adult form. Pupal stage can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks before a fully-formed fly emerges.
Why Are Fly Eggs a Problem?
While the eggs themselves are not usually harmful, they are a sign of a larger problem. If you find fly eggs in your home, it is a sign that there is an infestation somewhere.
Flies are often attracted to organic matter, so if you find eggs in your kitchen, for example, it could be a sign that there is rotting food somewhere. Cleaning up the area and removing the food source is essential to preventing a larger infestation.
How to Get Rid of Fly Eggs
The best way to get rid of fly eggs is to eliminate the food and moisture sources that are attracting the flies in the first place. This could involve removing decaying plant matter, cleaning up pet waste, and properly storing food in sealed containers.
If you do find fly eggs in your home, the best way to dispose of them is by using a vacuum cleaner or a wet cloth. Be sure to dispose of any organic matter or garbage that may be attracting the flies first, and wear gloves or protective clothing when handling fly eggs.
Conclusion
While fly eggs may seem like a small and insignificant part of the fly lifecycle, they can be a sign of a larger problem. By taking some simple steps to prevent an infestation, you can eliminate these tiny ovals from your home for good.
FAQs:
What is the size of a fly egg?
A fly egg is usually no larger than a grain of rice.
What do fly eggs look like?
Fly eggs are usually oval or cylindrical, with a smooth surface and no visible pores. They are typically white or creamy in color, depending on the species of fly.
Where do flies lay their eggs?
Flies typically lay their eggs in warm, moist environments, such as rotting organic matter or animal feces.
What happens after a fly egg hatches?
After a fly egg hatches, the larvae emerges and begins to feed on the organic matter around it. It grows rapidly and sheds its skin several times as it grows.
How can I get rid of fly eggs?
The best way to get rid of fly eggs is to eliminate the food and moisture sources that are attracting the flies in the first place. This could involve removing decaying plant matter, cleaning up pet waste, and properly storing food in sealed containers.
References:
- “Diagnosing Common Greenhouse, Garden, and Landscape Problems.” MSU Extension, 2021, www.canr.msu.edu/ipm/diagnostics/diagnosing_common_greenhouse_garden_and_landscape_problems_fly.
- “Fly Control: How to Get Rid of Flies in the House.” Orkin, 24 Dec. 2020, www.orkin.com/flies/.
- “House Fly – How to Get Rid of House Flies.” Orkin, 15 Jan. 2021, www.orkin.com/flies/house-fly/.
- “Pea Aphid.” Minnesota Department of Agriculture, 2021, www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/insects/pea-aphid.
- “What Do Fly Eggs Look Like?” Rentokil, 23 May 2020, www.rentokil.com/blog/what-do-fly-eggs-look-like/.