Are Flies Dangerous?

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When most people think of a fly, they think of an annoying little flying insect but many do not understand the dangers they can pose to humans when they invade your home and yard. Even the common house fly can bring many different diseases into a home. Other flies like the horse, yellow, and deer fly have painful bites that can result in mild to severe reactions.

Diseases Carried by Flies

House flies are attracted to dead animals, feces, and rotting food which are breeding grounds for many different types of diseases. Since they are frequently found in homes and will land on food and food prep surfaces, house flies can easily spread a variety of pathogens to your home’s inhabitants. They are known to pick up and carry over 50 pathogens that are transmittable to humans. A few of the diseases flies can spread include:

• Tuberculosis

• Dysentery

• Typhoid Fever

• Salmonella

• E. Coli

• Cholera

These diseases can be serious and lead to hospitalizations, especially in those with weakened immune systems. It is important to understand the risks that even one of the most common household pests can pose when they enter and infest your home.

Biting Flies

The most common types of biting flies are deer, yellow, and horse flies. They can be found in wetlands or near bodies of water which is where they like to lay their eggs. Although these pests are small, they are aggressive and can have a painful bite that some say is similar to a bee sting. Their bites, in addition to being painful, can also transmit the bacteria Tulmaria, commonly known as rabbit fever. When they bite they tear through the skin and release an anticoagulant to increase bleeding, allowing them to feed on your blood. The bite and anticoagulant can cause bumps, welts, and allergic reactions in some people. For more information on biting flies, check out this article from the South Carolina Pest Control Association.

Keeping Your Home Safe

Flies are extremely resilient pests. A fly’s lifespan might be short but they are fast breeders, laying lots of eggs quickly which can make treating an infestation tricky. They are able to sneak in through the smallest hole or crack in your house. A trained exterminator can help find the areas where flies are entering your home and create a plan to keep them out for the long term. Keeping your home and family safe and healthy is very important. Rocket Pest’s technicians work hard to keep pests like flies out of homes, keeping all of its inhabitants out of harm’s way! Get your free quote now, give us a call at 864-232-2406