Flies are more than just a nuisance; they can pose significant health risks due to their ability to transmit various diseases. Flies, particularly houseflies, are known to carry and spread numerous pathogens. They feed on and breed in unsanitary materials like garbage, feces, and decaying matter. As they move between these materials and human environments, they can transfer harmful microorganisms through:
Body Contact: Pathogens adhere to their legs and bodies and are deposited on surfaces and food.
Regurgitation: Flies regurgitate digestive fluids onto food to liquefy it, potentially introducing bacteria.
Excretion: They defecate frequently, contaminating surfaces and food with fecal matter.
These behaviors enable flies to spread diseases such as cholera, typhoid, dysentery, and food poisoning. Maintaining cleanliness and implementing effective fly control measures are essential to minimize these health hazards.