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House Fly

Musca domestica

Use cautionCommon

Quick answer

Doesn't bite, but can carry germs onto food. Safety level: Use caution.

How to identify the House Fly

A grey fly about 6-7 mm long with four dark stripes running down the back of its thorax.
Large reddish eyes and one pair of clear wings.
Its mouthparts are spongy for soaking up liquid; house flies cannot bite.
Size: 6–7 mm.

Where it lives

Found worldwide wherever people live. It breeds in rotting food, rubbish, manure and compost, and is drawn indoors by food smells.

Is it dangerous?

House flies do not bite or sting. The risk comes from germs: they land on waste and then on food, and can carry bacteria that cause stomach illness. Keeping food covered and bins closed is the best protection.

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Children and pets

Keep food covered when flies are around.

What to do

Keep bins closed and take rubbish out often.
Use screens on windows and doors.

Fun fact

A house fly tastes food with tiny hairs on its feet.

⚠ Call emergency services straight away for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or a scorpion sting in a child. This page is general information, not medical advice.

Frequently asked questions

Do house flies bite?

No. Biting flies such as stable flies look similar, but house flies only soak up liquid food.

How long do house flies live?

Usually two to four weeks, but a female can lay hundreds of eggs in that time.

What keeps flies out of the kitchen?

Window and door screens, sealed bins, quick clean-up of spills and taking rubbish out often.