Quick answer
The housefly is one of the most common and widespread insects, living almost everywhere humans do. It feeds on a wide range of liquid and decaying matter, tasting with its feet and feeding through a sponge-like mouthpart. Houseflies breed quickly in waste and can spread disease by carrying germs on their bodies, and adults usually live only a few weeks.
Key takeaway
The housefly is one of the most common and widespread insects, living almost everywhere humans do. It feeds on a wide range of liquid and decaying matter, tasting with its feet and feeding through a sponge-like mouthpart. Houseflies breed quickly in waste and can spread disease by carrying germs on their bodies, and adults usually live only a few weeks.
Overview
The housefly is one of the most common and widespread insects, living almost everywhere humans do. It feeds on a wide range of liquid and decaying matter, tasting with its feet and feeding through a sponge-like mouthpart. Houseflies breed quickly in waste and can spread disease by carrying germs on their bodies, and adults usually live only a few weeks.
Biology
Housefly (Musca domestica) is classified as Insect with conservation status Least Concern. Typical weight about 0.00002 kg; lifespan around Adults about 2–4 weeks.
Ecology
Diet: Omnivore (liquid and decaying matter). Habitat: Almost everywhere humans live. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures.
People and this species
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild individuals are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Further reading
See the full Housefly profile for FAQs, taxonomy, and related guides on this site.
Body and senses
Houseflies have large compound eyes that give them a wide field of view and quick reactions, helping them avoid being swatted. They taste with sensors on their feet and feed using a soft, sponge-like mouthpart that soaks up liquids. Their fast, agile flight and ability to land upside down on ceilings come from specialized wings and sticky footpads.
Diet and feeding
Houseflies feed on a wide variety of substances, especially decaying organic matter, food waste, and sugary liquids. Because they cannot chew, they release saliva onto solid food to dissolve it, then suck up the liquid. This feeding habit, combined with their attraction to waste, is why they can transfer germs to human food.
Rapid life cycle
Houseflies reproduce extremely quickly, laying batches of eggs in moist decaying material such as garbage or manure. The eggs hatch into pale larvae called maggots, which feed and grow before pupating and emerging as adults within a week or two in warm conditions. This rapid cycle allows populations to build very fast.
Houseflies and health
Because they move between waste and human food, houseflies can carry bacteria and other pathogens on their bodies and mouthparts, making them potential spreaders of disease. Good sanitation, covering food, and managing waste are the most effective ways to reduce their numbers. Despite this, houseflies also help break down decaying matter in the environment.
Research notes
Figures for houseflys (Musca domestica) come from field studies, museum records, and conservation assessments that do not always agree on exact averages. Prefer ranges over single-point claims, and check whether a source describes wild, captive, or mixed populations.
Practical takeaways
If you encounter houseflys in the wild, prioritise distance and local guidance. If you care for related domestic or captive animals, match diet and housing to species needs rather than generic pet advice. Share accurate status information (Least Concern) when discussing conservation.
Sources
FAQs
Housefly: Key Facts & Natural History?
The housefly is one of the most common and widespread insects, living almost everywhere humans do. It feeds on a wide range of liquid and decaying matter, tasting with its feet and feeding through a sponge-like mouthpart. Houseflies breed quickly in waste and can spread disease by carrying germs on their bodies, and adults usually live only a few weeks.
What is the scientific name of the housefly?
Musca domestica
What do houseflys eat?
Omnivore (liquid and decaying matter)
Where do houseflys live?
Almost everywhere humans live
Are houseflys endangered?
Listed here as Least Concern. Check IUCN and national lists for the latest assessment.