House flies are a common species of fly, characterized by only one pair of wings. They are of medium sized growing to be about 1/4 inch long. They are persistant pests if they get indoors, landing on food and spreading bacteria and disease.

The common housefly is gray and nondescript in color. As with most species, the males are smaller than the females.

The house fly has four stages of its life cycle: egg, larvae, pupae and adult. In a normal lifespan the female can lay up to 900 eggs when she lays the eggs she lays them in bunches so that they raise up. The pupae (we call them maggots) emerge in about twenty hours in warm weather, and in colder climates it can take up to two months for the pupae to show.A full adult house fly will emerge by five week in cold climate and three days in warmer temperatures.

House flies are drawn to rotting garbage, spoiled fruits, manure, dog droppings, and any organic material that is decaying.

Pest Control Tips for Dealing with House Flies

Make sure your garbage cans have plastic liners.

Scrub out your cans at least once a week.

Put wet garbage in sealed plastic bags.

Clean out all food containers prior to throwing them away.

Move your garbage cans away from all buildings inhabited by people.

Caulk any openings into your home and screen all your windows.

Remove all animal waste as soon as possible.

If you keep the garbage to a minimum, this is the best way to get rid of the house flies. You are essentially taking away their breeding grounds and they will go elsewhere.