What Do Houseflies Eat?

Houseflies are scavengers and feed on a variety of substances. They are particularly attracted to decaying organic matter and sugary substances.

• Decaying Organic Matter: This includes rotting fruits, vegetables, and meat. Houseflies lay their eggs in these substances, providing food for the larvae when they hatch.
• Animal Feces: Houseflies are attracted to animal waste, which provides a rich source of nutrients.
• Human Food: They are attracted to a wide range of human foods, especially sweet or fermented items.
• Garbage: Houseflies feed on garbage, which often contains a mix of their preferred foods.
• Plant Nectar: They also feed on plant nectar, much like bees.
• Animal Blood: Some species of houseflies feed on the blood of living animals.

How do Houseflies Eat?

Houseflies eat by first liquefying their food using their saliva or vomit because they cannot chew solid food.

• Houseflies land on their food and regurgitate saliva or vomit onto it.
• The saliva contains enzymes that begin to break down the food into a liquid.
• Once the food is liquefied, they use their proboscis, a tube-like tongue, to suck it up.

What do Houseflies Drink?

Houseflies primarily feed on liquids as they cannot ingest solid food. They use their proboscis to sponge up their meals.

• Water: The essential liquid for all living beings.
• Nectar: A sweet liquid produced by plants.
• Plant Sap: The fluid carried in the xylem and phloem of a plant.
• Animal Blood: They occasionally consume blood from animal wounds.
• Decomposed Organic Material Liquids: Houseflies often feed on decomposing matter's liquid components.

FAQs about Houseflies

1. How often do Houseflies eat?

Houseflies eat frequently throughout the day, approximately every 30 minutes.

2. How long can a Houseflies live without eating?

Houseflies can survive without eating for two to three days.

3. What do Larvae Houseflies eat?

The larvae of Houseflies primarily feed on decaying organic material such as compost, rotting fruits, vegetables, and faeces.