Myths About Flies – What’s True and What’s Not
There are many common misconceptions and myths surrounding flies and their behavior. From their habits to their environmental impact, we thought we would share the good, the bad, and the ugly behind some of the most common fly myths.
Regardless of the myths surrounding them, flies always seem to show up at the most inopportune times. Whether you’re attempting to enjoy an outdoor barbecue with friends, sipping coffee on your front porch in the evening, or walking out your front door to run errands, those pesky winged insects are bound to enter the picture in New Jersey. The question begs to be asked, “But… why?”
Common Myths About Flies
Myth #1:
Flies Bite
It is believed by many that flies will bite their victims and even use blood for fuel.
The Truth
Most species of flies do not bite other living creatures. House flies tend to be our most abundant annoyance, and they do not even have a mouth-like feature that allows them to pierce human skin. In the majority of cases, flies are simply searching for our leftover dinner scraps.
There are other species such as the Horse Fly which does, in fact, bite. They have the necessary body parts required to feed on blood. Like mosquitoes, horse flies can transmit diseases through the potential blood transfer of their bite, so having the right pest control prevention in place is important.
Myth #2:
Flies Spit on Food Before They Eat
Most kids are taught from a young age by parents, friends, and the like to swat away flies before they regurgitate on their food prior to enjoying a bite.
The Truth
Flies do not regurgitate on food. However, they do excrete saliva onto food which contains enzymes that will liquify solids. Using their long, pointed proboscis like a straw, they then devour the liquified substance.
It is helpful to understand the feeding behavior of flies. While the idea of flies regurgitating their food is on the gross side, their goal is not to contaminate our food but rather gain the nutrients from it.
Myth #3:
Ultraviolet Light Will Kill Flies Instantly
It is believed by some that UV devices will attract and zap flies and other insects on the spot.
The Truth
You know that buzz zapper your Great Aunt Carol had hanging on her back porch? The sound is recognizable to just about every New Jersey native. Ultraviolet devices like bug zappers do attract and shock flying pests. However, they oftentimes do not die instantly as the myth suggests, and they are not a fail-safe against flies in your space.
The safer and more humane route is to work with a reputable pest control company to prevent flies and other pests from becoming a nuisance.
Myth #4:
Flies Sing in Unison
Have you heard this one? Flies hum in the key of F.
The Truth
We are not trying to burst your bubble, but unfortunately this myth is not true. As a matter of fact, most flies do not even have mouth anatomy so humming would be virtually impossible. Rather than using their voices to create a certain sound, the buzzing that you hear is air turbulence from the rapid beating of their wings.
Species and speed are two factors that determine their frequency. Now, just because they don’t have a mouth doesn’t mean flies can’t communicate. They use this buzzing sound as a form of communication with other flies. They even have a mating call by creating specific sounds and patterns to attract females.
Fun Fact: When flies are in flight, the buzzing sound can vary in pitch by the way they maneuver through the air. So, singing? No. Making music? Definitely.
Myth #5:
Flies Have a 24-Hr Lifespan
A consistent myth throughout society is that flies can only survive for 24 hours.
The Truth
Like many things in life… it’s complicated. It’s not as simple as labeling all flies into one category. Different species have varied lifespan ranges. The common house fly has a range of 15-25 days depending on their environment while the mayfly might only live a day or two. On the other end of the spectrum, you’ll find the Black Fly which can live up to several months. In general, the circle of life for flies begins with the egg then leads to the larva, pupa, and adult stages.
If you see a housefly buzzing around your head, don’t worry. Once a fly reaches the adult stage and can fly, they have around two weeks to survive.
Myth #6:
Flies Represent Filth
It is a common opinion that flies only live in dirty environments filled with trash and unsanitary components.
The Truth
While flies, especially house flies, can be drawn to garbage and other decaying perishables, they will also be found in many clean environments. There is virtually no place where a common fly cannot be found. There are other species of flies who eat fruit and vegetation such as the fruit fly. This means the type of fly does play a part in where flies hover and seek nutrition.
Having said that, we do suggest picking up that 3-day old plate of pizza from your teenager’s bedroom. That might be more than any species of flies can resist.
Fly Myths: The Truth Behind the Buzz
Debunking myths surrounding flies is an important step in understanding these fascinating flying insects. By debunking myths and clarifying misconceptions around their eating habits, lifespan, music making, and more, we are better able to coexist with them. In gaining a clearer perspective on how flies and other insects function, we are better able to protect our homes while also taking care of our precious ecosystem.
And remember, the next time you think you hear a hum in the air it just might be our fascinating friend, the fly.
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