Egg Stage
After mating, females lay eggs in warm, moist spaces. Eggs hatch in about 8–20 hours. A female can lay over 500 eggs in her lifetime.
Flying Insects
How to manage Flies
Learn methods for identifying and managing flies to safeguard your home and business across Dubai and the UAE.
Discovering flies
Discovering the World of Flies
Flies are tiny insects belonging to the order Diptera, named for their two wings. Unlike many insects, they have only one pair. They vary in shape, colour and size, and are highly agile, able to hover. Mouthparts are adapted for sucking or piercing, depending on the species.
Flies are known for transmitting disease. They land on unsanitary surfaces such as rotting food, animal waste and sewage, then transfer pathogens when they land on food or skin, which can lead to food poisoning, diarrhoea and other illnesses.
Biology
Life Cycle of Flies
Eggs hatch into maggots that feed on organic matter, then pupate and emerge as adults ready to mate and lay eggs.
Larvae Stage
Also called the maggot stage, pale, worm-like larvae feed on animal corpses, manure and garbage as they grow.
Pupae Stage
After several molts, the larva forms a protective shell and completes development before emerging as an adult.
Adult Stage
Fully developed flies are ready to mate and start the cycle again.
Identification
Types of Flies
Three common species found around homes and food areas, fruit flies, drain flies and house flies.
Fruit Fly
Found around fermenting fruit, reddish-brown with red eyes, about 1/8 inch long. Not harmful to humans, but a fast-breeding nuisance.
Drain Fly
Mainly found in drains. Frizzy, moth-like appearance, about 1/8 inch long, gray to black in colour.
House Fly
Common indoors near food, gray with four thorax stripes, about ¼ inch long. Lands on uncovered food and can transmit disease, but does not bite.
Control
Overcoming Fly infestation
Flies are dangerous pests because they can carry pathogens that transmit disease. Beyond that risk, they are a daily nuisance. Professional pest control helps keep homes and businesses safer through a systematic approach that prevents further infestations.
Al Rasa is recognised among Dubai’s top pest control services and uses a thorough, systematic approach for all types of fly infestations.
Did you know?
Some interesting facts and information about Flies
Standout details on how flies sense food, see the world, communicate and support ecosystems.
- Flies taste with their feet, sensors on their feet help them sense the taste of food.
- Flies have a wide field of vision.
- Flies communicate with each other using vibrations and pheromones.
- Flies play a vital role in the ecosystem as pollinators for certain plants.
Ready when you are
Infestation in your property?
Al Rasa can inspect and treat fly problems safely across Dubai and the UAE, with clear guidance before and after treatment.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about lifespan, infestation signs, biting species and prevention.
What is the lifespan of flies?
Lifespan varies by species. Most live for about 15 to 25 days.
What are the signs of a fly infestation?
Numerous live flies around the house, concentrations in specific areas, and the presence of fly droppings.
Do flies bite?
Most flies are harmless to humans. Certain species like horse flies can bite both humans and animals.
How can I get rid of flies?
To help prevent flies: regularly empty your trash bin, keep doors and windows closed, and maintain a clean household. For active infestations, professional treatment is recommended.