HOUSEFLY CONTROL 



By F. C. Bishopp, principal entomologist in charge, Division of Insects Affecting 

 Man and Animals, Bureau of Entomology and Plant Quarantine 



The housefly, known scientifically as Musca domestica L. (fig. 1), 

 is annoying to man and animals and carries several important diseases 

 and parasites, such as typhoid, tuberculosis, dysentery, and intestinal 

 worms. It is closely associated with man and has a wide distribution. 

 This fly breeds in excrement and feeds upon it and other filth as well 

 as upon foods consumed by man. In this way it carries germs of all 

 sorts on its hairy legs and feet. Germs live . 

 for some time in the digestive tract of the fly 

 and may be dropped on food or utensils in its 

 excrement or in the material discharged from 

 its mouth. 



Life History and Habits 



The housefly lays its white eggs in masses 

 in the cracks in manure and fermenting vege- 

 table matter. It prefers comparatively fresh 

 horse manure, but it also breeds freely in the 

 moist excrement of hogs, chickens, and man. -^ .. r™ 



Garbage, fermenting farm wastes, and cattle houseflv. About three 

 manure, especially if mixed with straw, are times natural size, 

 also favorable for its development. 



The eggs usually hatch in from 10 to 24 hours. The resulting 

 larvae, or maggots, under favorable conditions complete their growth 

 in from 3 to 7 days. The larvae are then creamy white and about 

 half an inch long (fig. 2). These maggots crawl to the edges of the 

 manure pile, where they may burrow into the surface of the soil or 

 seek other favorable places in which to change to flies. This change 

 takes place in what is known as the pupa, or resting stage. The 

 pupa is inactive, yellowish to dark brown, depending on its age, and 

 barrel-shaped, as shown in figure 3. In warm weather the pupal 

 stage lasts from 3 to 6 days, and during cold weather it may last 

 many weeks. 



When transformation is complete the adult fly pushes open the end 

 of the pupal case, works its way to the surface, spreads its wings, and 

 is soon ready to start on its career of annoyer and disease bearer. The 

 female mates and is ready to lay eggs in from 2}& to 20 days after 

 emergence. From 2 to 21 egg masses, each containing about 130 

 eggs, may be deposited by 1 female during a normal lifetime of from 

 2 to 12 weeks. 



Methods of Controlling the Housefly 



There are a number of ways in which the housefly problem may be 

 attacked. Usually several of these must be employed to control the 

 pest effectually. 



Issued May 1939 

 140454°— 39 



