Why do flies pose a health hazard?
The house fly is a danger to the health of man and animals principally because it carries and spreads diseases that may be in the materials it breeds in, feeds on, or walks on. Flies breed and lay eggs in garbage, animal feces, and decaying organic materials. They land upon any kind of filth. Over 100 different species of pathogens can survive by the millions on their outside surface and hairs, and in their digestive and blood systems. On the feet of houseflies are tiny pads covered with hair which ooze a sticky liquid. These sticky hairs not only enable them to cling to any surface, but also are responsible for bacteria sticking to the feet. Flies regurgitate their stomach contents to liquefy their food and defecate often while feeding, depositing pathogens.
