Fly larvae appear more often on the compost or in organic waste during the hot summer months. Observations in groceries or under the carpet make for scary moments. In order to avoid a panic outbreak, you should inform yourself about the way of life of these animals and how to combat them.

Fly larvae are disgusting and appear in abundance, especially in summer

Table of Contents

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  1. the essentials in brief
  2. habitat
  3. Means against fly larvae
  4. frequently asked Questions

    5. the essentials in brief

    • Fly larvae prefer organic matter as food. They are found in compost heaps, openly stored food, animal feed and excrement. Some species live in water or in the ground.
    • If the maggots appear in the apartment, they can be removed by hand with a dustpan and broom.
    • Vinegar is an effective way to control fly larvae and prevent reinfestation. Salt and burnt lime are suitable to a limited extent.

    Where fly larvae prefer to stay

    The group of flies is a species-rich suborder that belongs to the Diptera and is subdivided into numerous families. Fly larvae live in different habitats. Many species inhabit the soil or feed on living and dead plants, wood or fungi.

    Because of their fondness for feces, carrion, and inedible foods, fly maggots don't have a good reputation. In exceptional cases, they occur in living tissue under the skin of humans or dogs. This phenomenon is called myiasis and occurs as motion sickness.

    Reasons for fly larvae in the apartment

    Since flies prefer environments with ideal feeding conditions for oviposition, their maggots can often be observed in the kitchen. Food leftovers in rubbish bins provide the perfect environment. Flies are also magically attracted to open animal feed or food stored outside of the refrigerator. At room temperature, the development from the larva to the adult insect takes place within a short time, so that the uninvited guests multiply quickly in the house if there is sufficient food available.

    digression

    Why fly larvae live under the carpet

    Finding fly maggot nests between the carpet fibers is a nightmare for many people. There is a constant microclimate between the protective carpet fibers, in which the insects feel particularly comfortable.

    Adult flies are attracted to the smell of protein foods or debris on the floor. They come into the apartment through the open window and lay their eggs in sheltered places such as the carpet.

    Fly nests are swept up with brooms and dustpans and then disposed of far away from leftover food. Thorough cleaning of the infested rooms protects against renewed infestation.

    Optimal living conditions in the garbage can

    Maggots love trash cans

    Fly maggots are among the waste recyclers that primarily decompose dead material from plants or animals. Due to this preference, the compost is a paradise for the offspring of flies. In summer, the unwanted inhabitants are more common in the organic waste. The warm and humid environment creates optimal survival conditions.

    Maggot-like fly larvae can form a kind of carpet. When the insects rub against each other, heat and a noticeable noise are generated.

    Harmless larvae in the potting soil

    Fly larvae that live in the flower pot do not pose a threat to the quality of the food. These maggots are fungus gnats that prefer open substrate with moist conditions as a habitat. The plants are usually not damaged. As the infestation spreads, the risk of root damage increases and rot can develop.

    What larvae live in water?

    Some larvae will develop in the water if it is not polluted and has a high oxygen content. The insect larvae that often cavort in the rain barrel are mosquitoes. The species are differentiated by their coloration:

    • Red: Descendants of the midge
    • black: unwanted mosquito larvae
    • White: Brood of the tufted midge

    The insects are not always undesirable in the water, because fly larvae are suitable as fish food and serve as a valuable source of protein for reptiles and amphibians. In order to ensure an unpolluted food source for their own fish farming, many pond owners are starting to breed mosquito larvae under controlled conditions in the tub.

    What to do against fly larvae?

    Fly larvae do not survive a vinegar bath

    Removing maggots from flies can be done in two ways. It is convenient to mechanically clean infested objects and remove the nests with a broom and dust pan. If you are facing unpleasant feelings in this matter, home remedies are recommended.

    Not every substance is suitable for use without restrictions, since either the effect is not effective or the environment can be adversely affected. Therefore, prevention is the most important measure.

    environmental hazard effect Result recommendation
    quicklime high corrosive Fly maggots dry out and die no
    salt low when used properly drying out works for a short time in case of acute infestation Yes
    vinegar low when used correctly mourning Smell keeps flies away permanently with regular use Yes

    tips

    To banish the unpleasant smell from the garbage can that attracts flies, you can use odor absorbing fabrics. Coffee powder or baking soda are ideal.

    Destroy fly maggots in the garbage can

    Larger areas can be cleaned with home remedies

    A mixture of water and vinegar essence provides a simple home remedy to kill maggots in organic waste. Three to four tablespoons of concentrated vinegar are added to one liter of liquid. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and dust fly larvae and the entire interior of the bin.

    Edges and cover should not be left out to prevent re-infestation. If maggots have settled in the garbage, place the empty bin in the sun with the lid open. The larvae die in the dry heat.

    How to prevent an infestation:

    • prevent dryness: Line the floor with newspaper to absorb liquid
    • close the garbage can: Rubber seals in the lid or a stone as a weight prevent eggs from being laid
    • avoid meat: Wrap meat and fish in paper and dispose of in general waste
    • frequent emptying: also have half-filled bins emptied by the garbage disposal
    • regular cleaning: Rinse the bin with a garden hose and let it dry after each garbage disposal
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    Do scented oils help against fly larvae?

    Essential oils and other intensely smelling substances show no direct effect in controlling fly larvae. However, the substances have a preventive effect, since flies avoid many scents and are thus prevented from laying their eggs in the compost or in the apartment. Lavender, tea tree oil, lemon, peppermint, eucalyptus and bay leaf are particularly effective. Use different oils to enhance the effect.

    Make a fragrant fly repellent:

    1. Make a mixture of 2 tsp rapeseed oil, 2 tsp witch hazel water or vodka and 100 ml essential oils
    2. Hang the rag in a candy or coffee tin and secure it with a rubber band on the outside
    3. Pour insect oil into the can so that the rag soaks
    4. Place fly repellent on the table and pour essential oil regularly

    tips

    Lacewing larvae are not the dreaded maggots. They play an important role in pest control because they consume large quantities of aphids.

    frequently asked Questions

    What do fly larvae look like?

    Fly larvae can grow up to 3cm

    Fly maggots have a worm-shaped body that lacks limbs and head capsule. On closer inspection, the front end of the body is indistinctly pointed, while the rear end appears wider. They have a pincer-like mouth hook that they use to pick up food.

    In cross section, the larvae are round to oval or elongated to curved. Depending on the species, the maggots can be between one and 30 millimeters long. An outer protective layer called the cuticle protects the body from dehydration. Once pupated, the light color changes to a darker brown.

    How are fly larvae formed?

    Flies lay their eggs where their offspring will find sufficient food. They prefer biodegradable substances in organic waste or food as a place to lay their eggs. In warm temperatures and humid conditions, the larvae hatch after just 24 hours. The full development into an adult insect is completed within eight days at around 25 degrees Celsius. The majority of European fly species need two to three weeks, during which the larvae live through three instars.

    Where do fly larvae come from?

    Maggots in household waste or in dog food are not uncommon in summer. They hatch from the eggs that flies that have flown in have laid in the appropriate substrate a few hours to a few days earlier. These are houseflies or blowflies. They are attracted by odors, which give them an indication of good food availability. It is usually protein-containing foods that arouse the insects' interest.

    Which fly larvae live in which environment?

    Fly maggots that live in water come mainly from hoverflies, horseflies or mosquitoes. The latter produce eggs, which many garden owners observe in the water butt. In the home environment, the housefly finds plentiful food sources. She lays her eggs in organic material, because her larvae feed on biological waste such as meat and cheese or plant parts and feces. The blowfly also prefers food and excrement as a place to lay its eggs.

    Are fly larvae dangerous?

    In principle, fly larvae do not pose any danger to humans. If they are accidentally eaten, this can lead to digestive problems in rare cases. Children are at greater risk of health problems.

    Blowflies excrete bacteria and pathogens through their digestive juices. This can lead to diarrheal diseases. Once the insects have laid their eggs on food, it may be contaminated and unfit for consumption.

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Animals in the garden