Where do the flies in my house come from?
They come in through an opening (window, door, vent), drawn by food or the smell of waste. But a sudden, large presence almost always signals a breeding site nearby: a bin, decaying organic matter, sometimes a dead animal.
Why do I suddenly have a lot of flies?
Because a generation has just emerged. With a very short egg-to-adult cycle in warm weather, a few flies can become a swarm within one to two weeks if a breeding site exists nearby.
How do I get rid of flies?
By removing the source, not just the adults. Find and eliminate the breeding site (waste, organic matter), close the bins, clean the surfaces, then block the entries (window screens) and set traps.
Are flies dangerous?
They don't bite, but they land on waste, excrement and decaying matter before landing on food. In this way they can carry bacteria and pose a risk of food contamination.
How do I recognise a blow fly?
The blow fly (or bluebottle) is clearly bigger than the house fly and its abdomen is a shiny metallic blue or green. It's drawn to meat, fish and decaying animal matter.
Why do I have big blue flies in the house?
Their repeated presence often signals a hidden animal source: a small dead animal in a wall, under a floor, in the attic or a chimney. Until the source is removed, they'll keep coming back.
How long does a fly live?
An adult house fly generally lives a few weeks. Its breeding capacity, however, is very high, which explains how fast infestations develop.
Where do flies lay their eggs?
In moist, decaying organic matter: food waste, the bottom of bins, compost, animal droppings, clogged drains. The larvae (maggots) develop there before becoming adults.
Do flies lay eggs on food?
Yes, some species can lay eggs on exposed food, especially meat, fish or food waste. It's best to throw away any food on which eggs or maggots are visible.
How long does it take a maggot to become a fly?
In summer, development is fast: depending on the species and the temperature, a few days are enough for the larvae to become adult flies. The warmer it is, the faster the cycle.
Why are there maggots in my bin?
Because a fly laid eggs there. Maggots are the larvae. Empty and clean the container, then keep it closed to prevent any new egg-laying.
Is a fly swatter or an insecticide bomb enough?
No. They kill the visible adults but reach neither the larvae nor the breeding site. Without removing the source, the population rebuilds within a few days.
Are UV insect lamps effective?
They can catch some of the flies in an enclosed space, but they don't solve the underlying problem. They complement hygiene and removing the breeding sites; they don't replace them.
Why do flies land on food?
They feed by regurgitating saliva to dissolve food before sucking it up. It's this contact — feet, saliva, droppings — that creates the hygiene problem.
How do I stop flies getting in?
Window screens, well-fitted doors, vents and seals in good condition. At the same time: closed bins, covered food, clean worktops and rinsed pet bowls.
Do flies disappear in winter?
Their activity drops sharply with the cold. Some survive sheltered in heated buildings and become active again as soon as the warmth returns.
When should I call a professional?
If the infestation persists despite cleaning, if you can't find the source, if flies come out of a wall or false ceiling, or if it's a sensitive site (catering, livestock, bin room). The professional locates the breeding sites, treats and follows up.
