Common Denver Pests

House flies, also known by their scientific name Musca domestica, are one of the most common and widely distributed insects in the world. These flies are typically gray in color, with four black stripes on their thorax and large compound eyes.

House flies are considered a nuisance because they are known to carry and transmit disease-causing organisms, such as bacteria and viruses. They are attracted to decaying organic matter such as garbage, feces, and food waste, and lay their eggs in these materials. The larvae, known as maggots, feed on the decaying matter and develop into adult flies in as little as seven days.

House flies can reproduce quickly and in large numbers, making them difficult to control. They are known to spread diseases such as typhoid fever, cholera, and dysentery. In addition to being a health hazard, house flies can also be a nuisance in homes and businesses, buzzing around and landing on surfaces.

Prevention and control of house flies involves proper sanitation and waste management practices, such as keeping garbage cans tightly sealed and regularly disposing of food waste. Insecticide sprays and baits may also be used as part of an integrated pest management approach to control house fly populations.