CHAPTER XXIV 



Insect Pests of the Household and Stored Products 



House Flies 



The commonest fly found in houses is the species properly known as 

 the House Fly {Musca domestica Linn.). It is of medium size, grayish, 

 and has mouth parts dilated at the end in a sort of lobe, fitted for tak- 

 ing up liquid food. Its 

 early stages are passed in 

 moist, decaying matter, 

 especially horse manure or 

 other excrement. These 

 flies never bite ; but they 

 are pernicious visitors be- 

 cause of their filthy habits, 

 and their known agency 

 in the dissemination of 

 disease. 



A second species, the 

 Stable Fly {Stomoxys cal- 

 citrans Linn.), is the pest 

 that annoys us by " biting," especially before storms. It has piercing 

 mouth parts. 



Other species often are observed, but the two named above are in 

 the great majority, and of these two the house fly is by far the more 

 numerous. 



Since flies are known to carry disease, it is of prime importance to 

 be rid of them in our homes. Proper screening is the first requisite, 

 and nothing can be accomplished without this fundamental protection. 



349 



Fig. 553. — The House Fly. Original. 



