Call now and ask about our Summer Offer

Phone Icon
Phone Icon
Phone Icon

(855) 948-5816

Aptive Pest Control Logo

The Short Lifespan of Flies

Written by Aptive Pest Control
Updated: May 21, 2026 Published: February 16, 2023

Flies have a relatively short lifespan, typically living for only a few weeks to a few months, depending on the species. Their lifespan is influenced by various factors, including temperature, humidity, and availability of food and water. Flies lay their eggs in decaying organic matter, such as garbage or animal feces, and the larvae feed on this matter until they pupate and emerge as adult flies.

Preventing Flies in the Home

To prevent flies from breeding and multiplying in the home, it is essential to identify and eliminate potential breeding sites. Regular cleaning and sanitation of food prep areas and garbage cans can help prevent flies from congregating in the home. Installing screens on windows and doors can also prevent flies from entering the home. Sticky fly traps or electronic fly zappers can capture and kill adult flies.

Treating Difficult Fly Species

Some species of flies, such as fruit flies and drain flies, can be difficult to control once they have established themselves in the home. In these cases, it may be necessary to consult with a pest control professional to identify and treat the source of the infestation. Some species of flies can carry diseases and pose a health risk, particularly in areas where food is prepared or consumed. Therefore, it is important to take measures to prevent flies from entering and breeding in the home.

Clean Kitchen Fly Control 80
Keeping a clean kitchen can help prevent flies from living in your home.

Importance of Regular Cleaning to Prevent Flies

Regular cleaning and sanitation, particularly in areas where food is prepared or consumed, can help prevent flies from becoming a problem in the home. It is important to dispose of garbage properly and ensure that food is stored in airtight containers. Keeping kitchen surfaces clean and free of spills can also help prevent flies from congregating in the home.

Why Do Flies Die in the House?

While some may be puzzled about why flies die in our homes, the answer lies in their natural life cycle and the less than ideal indoor environment for these creatures. Flies typically enter houses seeking food or shelter but often find the conditions inside unsuitable for their survival. Factors such as lack of food sources, low humidity, and artificial lighting can disrupt their normal behaviors and life cycle, leading to their untimely death.

Quick Action for Effective Control

If you notice a fly infestation in the home, it is important to take action quickly to prevent the problem from getting worse. With the right strategies and tools, it is possible to effectively control and treat flies in the home. Prevention is the best strategy for dealing with flies, but if an infestation occurs, a combination of sanitation, fly traps, and consulting with a pest control professional can help eliminate the problem.

Learn more about flies

Are Black Flies and Black Soldier Flies the Same Thing? Are Black Flies and Horse Flies the Same Thing? Are Flies Attracted to Certain Plants? Black Soldier Flies 101: What Are Black Soldier Flies? Can Flies Bite? Biting and Non-Biting Types Can House Flies Float in Water? Control Drain Flies: Proactive Tips & Identification Do Crane Flies Sting? Do House Flies Carry Diseases? How to Minimize the Risk in My Home Fruit Flies vs Drain Flies: What Are the Differences? Fungus Gnats 101: What Are Fungus Gnats? Gnats 101: What are Gnats? House Fly Breeding: What Homeowners Should Know Hoverflies 101: What Are Hoverflies? How Fast Can a Housefly Fly? How Fruit Flies Detect Fermenting Sugars in the Air How Houseflies Use Memory to Revisit Food Sources How Long a Housefly Lives—and What It Does with Its Time How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies in the Kitchen How to Keep Flies Away From Your Trash Cans How to Keep Fruit Flies Away from Your Home How to Tell a Fungus Gnat From a Fruit Fly Sweatflies vs Hoverflies: What Are the Differences? The Best Ways to Get Rid of Fruit Flies in Your Kitchen The Four Stages of the House Fly Life Cycle The Real Reason Flies Rub Their Legs Together What Are Black Flies? What Do Drain Flies Do in Your Kitchen Sink? What Happens Inside a Fly’s Compound Eyes Why Flies Are More Active in the Summer Why Flies Lay Eggs in Your Trash Cans and How to Interrupt Their Cycle Why Fruit Flies Appear Out of Nowhere Your Guide to House Flies: How to Identify, Prevent, and Eliminate Them

Curated articles for you, from our pest experts.

A Detailed Image Of A Norway Rat Walking Across A Log Surrounded By Ivy And Dead Leaves In An Outdoor Setting.

The Top 6 Most Common Pests in Georgia

Georgia’s pest activity is shaped by a humid subtropical climate, long warm seasons, and a landscape that ranges from barrier islands and salt marshes to the rolling Piedmont and the Blue Ridge foothills.

Jan 21, 2026
A Close-Up Image Of A Brown Roof Rat Perched On A Weathered Green Metal Lantern, With Its Large Ears, Long Whiskers, And Inquisitive Eyes Facing The Camera. The Background Is Softly Blurred With Dappled Light And Trees.

The Top 5 Most Common Pests in California

California's Mediterranean and semi-arid climates with mild winters, extended warm seasons, and diverse microclimates create ideal conditions for numerous pest species remaining active year-round...

Jan 19, 2026

Take back your home with fly control today.