Why FLIES and DISEASE go hand-in-hand:

Flies might be tiny creatures, but they pose a significant health risk. The number of diseases that a common house fly can carry on its feet is likely beyond your imagination. We usually dismiss flies when we see them in our surroundings, but have you ever considered the amount of filth and debris a typical fly might be transporting? It’s well-known that flies frequent all sorts of waste dumps, unclean areas, and even sewers. When they depart from these locations, they invariably collect germs and dirt on their feet. With this knowledge, it’s advisable to be more cautious around them.

So, what types of diseases or disease-causing microbes do flies transport? Let’s delve into that.

But first, let’s lay some groundwork.

To comprehend how flies transport germs and cause diseases, it’s crucial to understand their feeding habits, which, along with their feet, are the primary disease carriers.

Feeding Habits of Flies

Flies are omnivorous, consuming everything from garbage, waste, and decayed items to fresh dairy, vegetables, and meat. They have a particular fondness for sweet foods, especially sugar. Flies taste with their feet, meaning everything they consume must first pass through their feet.

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The issue arises when the same feet that were likely on garbage a short while ago are now on the fresh food in your kitchen or refrigerator. Flies consume all types of waste, including rotten food and animal feces. When they land on such waste, the pathogens from the source adhere to their feet and accumulate in their digestive system. They then transport these germs, bacteria, and diseases with them and deposit them on your fresh food. Consuming that food invites diseases into your body.

In essence, food becomes contaminated if it has been exposed to flies or similar creatures for a significant period, and the infection can transfer to your body if you consume that food.

Now, let’s get to the crux of the matter.

What Kind of Diseases Can You Get from Flies?

You might be curious about the types of diseases one can contract from house flies or the kinds of infections they might transmit to humans. If so, here’s the answer.

Research indicates that flies can carry and transmit as many as 65 types of diseases, ranging from common fever to viral diseases, cholera, and various infections. This is due to their unhealthy eating habits and their access to a wide range of areas.

Did you know a fly can travel up to 30 km in search of food? And they can transport all types of waste and garbage from their journey and deposit it all on your food. This is why it’s crucial to take special precautions to protect your food from such infectious insects. (More on this later.)

Returning to the topic at hand, flies can spread a broad array of diseases, including both minor and severe illnesses, particularly if a person consumes food that has been touched by a fly’s feet.

Here are some of the major diseases one can contract from flies:

Enteric infections – dysentery, typhoid, cholera, diarrhoea, among others. Helminth infections Eye infections – trachoma and epidemic conjunctivitis Poliomyelitis

Skin infections – yaws, mycoses, cutaneous diphtheria and leprosy Anthrax is an infectious disease that is caused by a bacterium called Bacillus anthracis. This is often transmitted through house flies. Symptoms include fever, skin boils, cough, headache and lung inflammation.

Cholera is another infection-borne disease that is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholera. House flies play a major role in the spread of this infection and bacteria.

Leprosy is a chronic infection also called by bacteria. Flies usually play a role in transmitting the infection or as a bacteria carrier.

Tuberculosis disease is generally caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) bacteria and can be spread by house flies. Symptoms include chills, fever and loss of appetite.

Typhoid is an infectious fever caused by the bacteria Salmonella typhi. It can often result in severe fever, diarrhoea, and weakness. Common house flies can act as a carrier of the disease.

Yaws is a skin infection that can also sometimes spread to the bones and joints, causing pain. The spirochete bacterium Treponema pallidum pertenue is the main source of this disease.

How to Keep Yourself & Your Family Safe from Fly-Borne Diseases

Now that you’re aware of the potential dangers of house flies and the types of diseases they can transmit or spread, you’re likely seeking a solution. So, here are the best tips to control flies and protect yourself from them.

Use insecticides – Insecticides are chemicals that can kill or seriously harm a variety of insects, including flies. You can find some in your local grocery store.

Use Physical Means such as electrocuting grids, sticky tapes, etc. to catch and kill flies.

Pest Control – If all other means fail and you are still not able to control the problem, the best solution is to hire a professional pest control service provider like THE BUG SPECIALIST for complete insect control at your place. This will remove all the flies and other harmful insects from your place on a more permanent basis. It is recommended to get Pest Control done at your place every couple of months.

In addition to this, adhering to proper hygiene and sanitation practices is almost always effective when dealing with insect problems. Keep your bathrooms, kitchens, and toilets clean and dry. Dispose of garbage daily. Don’t leave food unattended. And clean your fridge regularly.