Hungry House Flies!

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past couple of months, you’ve heard something about the Chinese Coronavirus outbreak. With nearly 2000 reported fatalities to date, the majority of them in mainland China, COVID-19 is responsible for nearly twice as many deaths as the 2002 SARS outbreak.  The CDC confirms the virus has spread to at least 24 other countries, including the United States, and constitutes a global emergency.

This variation on the Coronavirus spreads primarily with person to person contact – and can be passed within 6 feet of an infected person. A sneeze or a cough can extend the range of contact, unless your nose and mouth are covered. There has been at least one case where an infected person transmitted the disease before their symptoms arose, but virologists say that’s rare for this virus.

It is also unlikely, but seen only in rare instances, that this strain of Coronavirus may linger on a surface, transferring to your skin and entering your system when you touch your mouth, nose or eyes.

Airborne Transmission

While there is no evidence so far linking the current Corona virus outbreak to insects, there was evidence that the aforementioned SARS outbreak (also a form of Coronavirus) may have been accelerated by house flies.

But even apart from the current global threat, the World Health Organization has identified 65 diseases that the common housefly is responsible for spreading. Part of this can be attributed to the flies’ diet, which can include moist animal feces, sewage, garbage piles, manure and plant compost.

Not only do the flies devour these substances and constantly excrete them back out of their bodies, but they also can pick up stray contaminants or disease markers while pausing to eat and defecate.

Literally, anything that a fly has landed on is contaminated in some way because of how their digestive system works.

Flies in the Ointment – and Worse!

And it’s not just colds and digestive maladies. Houseflies are known to spread typhoid, cholera, highly contagious pink eye, swollen eyelids, certain skin infections, diarrhea, dysentery, and even leprosy! Additionally, houseflies can carry tuberculosis, salmonella, anthrax and polio.

They’re not just a harmless pest. They can cause serious sicknesses if not kept in check.

Outside of using fine mesh screens on your windows and doors, the biggest factor in preventing a housefly infestation is being conscientious with your cleanliness.

Regularly remove trash. Only discard trash in well-sealed garbage receptacles – both inside and outside. Clean up pet waste in your home or yard as soon as you’re aware of it. And make sure the poop bag you bring back from walking Fido is tied securely.

If you’ve seen or heard multiple flies buzzing about or seen maggots or larvae in your trash or animal refuse, you probably have a significant problem. If you’re worried that you might have an existing housefly invasion, call us sooner rather than later.

Good News has more than 30 years of experience dealing with house flies and other pesky insects from Ruskin to Port Charlotte. We’ll inspect your property and recommend one of our risk-reduced, natural solutions to get your home insect free for now and for years to come. To schedule your appointment with one of our highly trained technicians, give us a call today!