• Depending on the species, the life expectancy of a fly is eight days to two months or, in some cases, up to a year.
• Flies belong to the order Diptera, meaning two wings.
• Flies plague every part of the world except the polar ice caps.
• One pair of flies can produce more than 1 million offspring through their offsprings’ offspring in a matter of weeks.
• Millions of microorganisms may flourish in a single fly’s gut, while a half-billion more swarm over its body and legs.
• Flies spread diseases readily because they move quickly from rotting, disease-laden garbage to exposed human foods and utensils.
• Because they only have two wings, flies land often and therefore can deposit thousands of bacteria each time they land.
• Every time a fly lands, it sloughs off thousands of microbes. If a fly lands on food or utensils, customers may ingest germs that can trigger serious illness such as diarrhea, food poisoning, meningitis and bloodstream infections.

When flies feed on waste, they collect pathogens on their legs and mouths. These pathogens are then transferred to food on tables or counters when a fly lands again. Flies regurgitate on solid food then they eat the liquid. They are capable of transmitting disease when they vomit, groom themselves or just walk on surfaces.

The best way to repel flies is through simple, preventive measures. Flies prefer warm temperatures and are most active during the summer months. In order to best repel flies during this time, limit access to your home as much as possible, keeping doors and windows closed. You may also choose to screen windows, doors and vents. Keep garbage cans clean and securely closed. Keeping surfaces clean will make your home less appealing to flies.