1. Breeding and Mating:
- Adult female houseflies require a blood meal before they can reproduce. They feed on substances such as blood, animal excretions, or sweet liquids to obtain the necessary proteins for egg production.
- After obtaining sufficient nutrients, female flies mate with males, which transfers sperm.
2. Finding a Suitable Substrate:
- Once inseminated, female houseflies actively search for suitable locations to lay their eggs. They prefer moist and warm substrates with decaying organic matter, as the larvae (maggots) that hatch from the eggs feed and develop in this environment.
3. Egg Laying:
- Female houseflies deposit their eggs in batches, usually several eggs laid together.
- The female deposits the eggs directly onto the moist substrate without landing or touching the food or object.
- Each female housefly can lay multiple batches of eggs, producing hundreds of eggs throughout its lifespan.
4. Development and Life Cycle:
- The eggs hatch into larvae, commonly known as maggots, within a few days to a week.
- Maggots feed and grow on the organic matter, undergoing several stages of development.
- After reaching a certain size, maggots transform into pupae, and eventually emerge as adult houseflies.
Therefore, while houseflies may land on food or other surfaces, they typically do not lay eggs or maggots at that moment. They seek out suitable breeding sites with decaying organic matter to lay their eggs, where the maggots can thrive and complete their life cycle. To prevent housefly infestations and reduce the risk of contamination, it's essential to keep areas clean, eliminate sources of decaying matter, and promptly dispose of garbage.