As temperatures soar, many Irish homes are grappling with an invasion of flies.
Flies, particularly house flies and fruit flies, are attracted to warmth and humidity. The warm weather prompts these insects to seek cooler environments, leading them straight into our homes.
As windows and doors are left open in an attempt to ventilate and escape the heat, flies seize the opportunity to infiltrate our living spaces.
The constant buzzing and erratic flight patterns of flies can quickly become an annoyance for some people.
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These pests not only frustrate us, but also pose potential health risks. Flies are known to carry bacteria and pathogens and can contaminate surfaces and food they come into contact with.
With the recent increase in flies coming into Irish homes, one question some people may have is why they rub their ‘hands’ together.
Why do flies rub their hands?
Flies don't actually have hands, so they don't rub them.They are known to frequently clean and groom themselves by rubbing their legs together.
This behaviour serves a number of purposes for the fly. Firstly, it helps to keep their sensitive sensory organs, such as their antennae, clean and free from debris.
Additionally, the rubbing motion allows the fly to spread and distribute oily secretions produced by their legs, which help to maintain the condition and function of their legs.These secretions also play a role in various fly behaviours, such as mating and communication.
Flies also have specialised sensory hairs on their legs called tarsi. These hairs contain taste receptors that enable flies to sense and taste their surroundings.
When flies land on surfaces, they often extend their legs and rub them together. This behaviour, known as "tasting," allows the flies to gather information about the surface they have landed on and determine if it is a suitable food source.
By rubbing their legs, flies can detect chemicals and compounds that indicate the presence of food or other substances of interest. This sensory process helps flies locate potential food sources and assess their suitability for feeding.
Do flies really vomit on food when they land on it?
Many people were told growing up that flies vomit on food when they land on it.
The belief is not an old wives' tale - it is actually based on scientific observations.
When flies land on solid food, they regurgitate digestive enzymes onto the food. These enzymes help break down the food into a liquid form that the fly can consume more easily.
While it may appear similar to vomiting, the process serves as a way for flies to pre-digest their food externally before ingesting it. The regurgitation allows them to liquefy the food, making it easier to suck up through their mouthparts
However, it's important to note that not all flies engage in this behaviour, and it primarily applies to certain species of flies.
How to prevent flies in the home
Fortunately, there are several effective measures households can take to combat a fly invasion.
- Maintain Cleanliness: Flies are attracted to garbage, decaying organic matter, and unclean surfaces. Regularly dispose of waste in tightly sealed bins and clean up spills and crumbs immediately to eliminate potential food sources for flies.
- Secure Entry Points: Seal gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and other entry points to prevent flies from entering your home. Install fly screens on windows and doors to allow fresh air while keeping the flies out.
- Natural Remedies: Consider using natural repellents such as essential oils (e.g., lavender, eucalyptus, or citronella) or fly-repelling plants like basil and mint. These can help deter flies and create a more fly-free environment.
- Fly Traps and Insecticides: Utilise fly traps or sticky flypaper strategically placed near windows or other fly-prone areas. Insecticide sprays or baits can also be effective in controlling fly populations. Follow instructions carefully and use these products safely.
- Professional Pest Control: If the fly infestation persists despite your efforts, it may be necessary to seek assistance from professional pest control services. They have the expertise and resources to address the problem effectively and provide long-term solutions.
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