Flies are harmless, right? Actually, no! They can be covered in bacteria, parasites, and viruses that can be dangerous for you, your family, and your pets.
So, can flies spread diseases? Unfortunately, yes. Let’s find out more about how diseases are spread by flies and what you can do to protect yourself and those around you.
How Flies Spread Diseases
Did you know that flies carry pathogens on their legs? Since they most commonly feed on fecal matter and decaying organic matter, they have plenty of opportunities to pick up pathogens after landing on contaminated surfaces, like waste or animal excrement.
When they land on surfaces in your home, they can leave behind a little trace of those pathogens, including bacteria and parasites.
Additionally, whenever flies land on a surface, they defecate or regurgitate. If they are carrying pathogens in their gut, there is a good chance that they release those pathogens onto your counters, rim of your cup, and wherever else they land.
They can also spread diseases when they lay their eggs. Since they commonly lay eggs on food or food waste, their eggs emerge as already contaminated larvae, transferring the pathogens to food sources and other areas in our human environment.
Common Diseases Spread by Flies
The diseases spread by flies are nothing to shake a stick at! Flies can contaminate food and water sources. Some of the most dangerous diseases flies can spread include diarrhea-causing, cholera, dysentery, e.coli, salmonellosis, as well as typhoid fever, tuberculosis, and other bacterial, parasitic, and viral infections.
Where Flies Pick Up Harmful Bacteria
Decaying food and organic matter provide the nourishment flies need to survive. It’s why you find flies near and on animal feces, human waste, trash, and rotting food. And since those surfaces also harbor thriving bacteria and viral pathogens flies land on these food sources, and get the nourishment they need – with a side of disease and virus – quickly picking up and spreading harmful bacteria.
How to Reduce the Risk of Fly-Transmitted Diseases
Although it’s not ideal to think about how flies can impact our lives, the good news is that there are plenty of ways to reduce your risk of contracting fly-transmitted diseases.
- The most simple yet significant way to reduce these risks of attracting flies is to keep your food covered. Flies can’t get attracted by what’s not available to them.
- Act quickly to clean up spills. Sticky fruit juice, for example, has an appealing scent to hungry flies.
- Don’t let your garbage pile up. Empty your trash regularly and clean the bin regularly with soapy water to remove any stuck-on leftovers.
If flies are taking over your living space, lean on eco-friendly pest treatments, including fly traps that are safe to use indoors and around small children or animals.
Protect Your Home from Fly-Borne Diseases
If you exhaust all of your DIY home pest control attempts, don’t be afraid to call in the pros! Professional exterminators will know exactly how to rid your home of these pesky bugs.
Mosquito Joe® services have been providing home and commercial pest control solutions across the country for decades. Our friendly and knowledgeable service professionals offer a wide range of fly control services. Whether you’re looking for traditional pest control or a more eco-friendly approach, our proven approach to ridding your property of pesky visitors is designed to help.
Stop worrying about flies and disease. Get peace of mind with Mosquito Joe. All of our services are backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise® and the Mosquito Joe Satisfaction Guarantee, ensuring you’ll be happy with our high level of customer service and professionalism.
Stop swatting at disease-ridden flies. Reclaim your space by requesting a free estimate from your local Mosquito Joe today!
This article is intended for general guidance only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property and your situation. Mosquito Joe is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of any advice or guidance derived from blog content. For the most accurate guidance, contact an independently owned and operated Mosquito Joe for more information and a professional on-site assessment.
