Are Flesh Flies Dangerous?

We do a lot of measures to protect our homes from houseflies and mosquitoes, but forget about the flesh flies. Now you are wondering what are flesh flies, i am hundred percent sure you have seen them but were unaware of them.

Let me give you a description that will help you recall them, they are larger in size as comparable to houseflies and also have grey color with three  dark stripes on its back.

What Are Flesh Flies?

Flash Flies is a species of Sarcophagidae family. Except Antarctica, they are almost present at every continent. Flesh flies are more common in warm climates because that suits them the most.

Are Flesh Flies a Problem?

Mostly flies lay eggs, but flesh flies directly give birth to larvae. The most surprising thing that tell about their hygiene profile is that they prefer feces, garbage, stagnant water, and decaying meat to give birth.

So they are problem or not is entirely depend on the answer that where it has been before.

So Are They Actually Dangerous?

Flesh flies do not have any stinger which means they can not bite us, which means they are harmless, right? But that is not the case, as i discussed before that thay give birth to larvae on dirtiest places which means they carry disease casuing bacteria bank along them.

Imagine if these flesh flies sit on your food items, your sofa, your baby toys, they are indirectly transmitting pathogens, lethal bacteria. The contaminated food is then consumed by you, the toys will be chew by the baby. Which means dangerous parasites like E. coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus transferred into your body. This will eventually put you on some serious health risks. 

Myiasis — The More Serious Risk

Myiasis is a severe condition often caused by flesh flies. This happens when flesh fly sit on any animal or human near it wounded area and give birth to larvae there. Thise leads to larvae infestation on living tissues.

It is commonly happening around us, particularly in:

• Individuals of older age
• Individual that left the wound unaddressed
• Those who sleep in courtyard in warm climates
• More commonly in Livestock and pets with untreated wounds.

Note: If you find any redness, itching on your wound immediately consult a doctor and get treatment, as unaddressed wound can leads to serious tissue damage.

What to Do To Protect Pets and Livestock From Flesh Flies?

Flesh flies are actually dangerous for pets and livestock. They are quickly attracted towards damp fur, wounds, and skin folds.

Suggestion: To protect your pets check your pets regularly, keep them clean and dry specially in the summer season.

What Does It Means If There is Lot of Flesh Flies in the House?

If you find a significant number of flesh flies in your house, it means the situation is serious than your thoughts. There must be a dead rodent, or a mouse in your house that attracts these flies.

Suggestion: Follow the flesh flies, find out the place, inspect the place carefully, locate the dead animal or dirt, discard them, and clean the entire space.

Risk	Level
Direct biting or stinging	None
Food contamination	Moderate
Risk to pets and livestock	Very Serious
Risk to Human	Cause bacterial infection