Flying insect · Musca domestica · Last updated 14 August 2026
Flies
The house fly (Musca domestica) reproduces in 8 to 20 days and produces up to 6 generations per summer. It carries bacteria on its legs and mouthparts — salmonella, campylobacter, E. coli — from a bin straight to a worktop.
On site within 24h · Re-intervention guarantee if the treated pest reappears
A massive fly presence often signals a nearby organic source (waste, decomposing matter). In food businesses, an infestation means immediate FASFC non-compliance. Treatment combines source removal, UV light traps and biocide treatments.
Identify
Signs of infestation
- Groups of adults on sunlit windows or drawn to light sources during the day
- Black contamination spots (fly vomit marks) on light surfaces and light fittings
- Whitish larvae (maggots) in bins, decomposing matter or animal droppings
- Flies clustering in autumn on sunlit facades (cluster flies, Pollenia rudis, seeking shelter to overwinter)
Where it's found
The house fly (Musca domestica) breeds in any decomposing organic matter above 10°C. A full life cycle (egg to adult) takes 7 to 14 days depending on temperature. Animal carcasses in attics or crawl spaces trigger seasonal invasions of blowflies (Calliphora).
Impact
Associated risks
Bacterial vector
A house fly carries bacteria on its legs and mouthparts, including Salmonella, Campylobacter and E. coli. It moves back and forth between waste and food surfaces.
Food contamination
Every contact with food deposits bacteria and digestive regurgitation. In catering, a repeated fly presence is an FASFC risk and must be logged in the HACCP plan.
Good practice
Prevention
- 01Seal all indoor and outdoor bins tightly (the main breeding site for house flies)
- 02Install fly screens or fly strips on openings during summer
- 03Clean drains, gully grates and plant saucers weekly
- 04In case of an animal carcass in the attic: locate and remove it before any other treatment
Frequently asked questions
What you're asking
Why do I have flies in winter?
Cluster flies (Pollenia rudis) and winter flies (Dasyphora cyanella) overwinter in attics and lofts. They reappear when temperatures rise. Treating the resting space combined with sealing the entry points solves the problem.
How do I eliminate flies in a restaurant?
The HACCP standard requires active protection against flying insects. A compliant protocol includes approved UV light traps, treatment of breeding areas (bins, drains) and a documented monthly check. Antinox applies this protocol on every visit for establishments subject to FASFC oversight.
What is a fly's life cycle?
The house fly goes from egg to adult in 8 to 20 days at 25 °C. A female lays up to 500 eggs across several clutches. In a Belgian summer, 4 to 6 generations succeed one another. Targeting the larvae in organic substrates is more effective than treating the adults.
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Related pests
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