Why Are Flies Attracted To Dead Bodies?

Whether it's home or business, death or disaster always shocks everyone as it puts a person under too much emotional pressure. People bury dead bodies in a particular time frame, but in case of homicide or suicide, the burial takes time. During the immediate decay process of dead bodies, one such thing that needs everyone's attention is flies. No matter its dead body or the insects attracted toward it, cleaning is essential to keep the environment and people within it safe and secure from harmful pathogens. That's why crime scene cleanup service is the second responders, a person called in need regarding blood and bodily fluid cleanup.

Why Do I Have Flies After A Decomposition?

Human decomposition occurs in stages, and as it is a natural process, it occurs in every organic organism. This process starts immediately after death. During 2nd stage of human decay, called bloat, the natural enzymes in the body start producing different gases. These gases double the size of the living body. At this stage, insects found on dead bodies, particularly in warm climates. These insects, including maggots, flies, and others, start feeding on the decayed human flesh within minutes and start laying eggs.

It is claimed in the Nature Education Knowledge Project, “Carrion flies find dead animals through a deep sense of smell. They have the power to detect minute traces of decay odor in the air.”

If there is no proper management of dead bodies around, it leads to fly and maggot infestation within the house. Insects that decompose dead bodies spread around, specifically in unattended death situations. If the dead are not discovered until a major time has passed, the process of decomposition rises to its peak. Let’s find out the reasons:

Egg Laying:

After a person dies, flies flock to reach the situation through their deep sense of smell and begin feeding. During this decomposition process, a single fly lays up to 300 eggs. This particular process is known as the egg-laying process.

Hatching:

When the fly lays eggs on the dead body, within one day, these eggs hatch and become larvae and maggots.

Feeding/Incubating:

After some days, these larvae start feeding on the fluid that comes from the dead body and eventually start moving into the body. These larvae also enter into the small crevices in the house to start incubation.

Hatching (Again):

Larvae need two weeks to incubate, and then the process of hatching starts, and these larvae eventually become a fly. Thus, these flies repopulate the surrounding area.

After complete cleanliness and disinfection by the company, fly infestation begins, but it is only in rare cases, specifically in warm climates. The second reason for early infestation is that the body has not been discovered for a long time, and heavy maggot and fly infestation has already started on the body. So, it's important to discover the dead body immediately and dispose of hazardous waste.

How To Get Rid Of Flies Indoors

Houseflies become a major problem, especially when they grow in number. These are not only annoying but also spread various infections. Infectious viruses and bacteria spread and cause problems due to their bite. Here, we describe some important ways to help eliminate flies during infestation before they distort your property.

Vinegar & Dish Soap:

Mix a few drops of dish soap with a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and pour it into a glass. Vinegar has the power to attract flies, and soap will trap the flies in the glass. This particular technique will make the flies sink to the bottom.

Natural Remedies:

Natural remedies include liquids and foods that attract flies and trap them. These foods and liquids include fruit chunks, syrup, honey, and sweet things, all of which become great ways to attract and trap flies.

Insecticides:

Natural remedies cannot work properly where the infestation is widespread; the process takes too long. At this stage, insecticides come to the rescue and are effective immediately. Ensure that the entire area is covered; otherwise, you will have to repeat the process during the next batch of fly hatches.

Spray/Fogger:

Pest infestation sprays and foggers are mostly for outdoor use. So, if you want to use this method, finding non-toxic sprays and foggers is difficult. Bug bombs and similar products should be the last option, and that can be only in case of most intense infestations or for the ones in unreachable nooks and crannies at home.

Why Are Flies Attracted To Dead Bodies?

The reason flies are attracted to dead bodies is formidable but an essential cycle. Flies, particularly carrion flies like flesh and blowflies, are necrophagous (feed on dead animals). When an animal dies, its body decomposes and releases a potent chemical signal known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemical signals give food calls to flies who have a deep sense of smell, and they can detect them from miles away.

Where Do Maggots Come From On A Dead Body?

Maggots come on a dead body from flies. Specifically, carrion flies are flesh flies and blowflies. These files have a deep sense of smell and are attracted to the smell of decaying flesh. Dead flesh releases specific chemical signals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Flies detect these signals from miles away and use them to find potential food sources for themselves and their offspring.

Who Cleans A House After A Death?

After a death, cleaning is a difficult task, especially amid the emotional toll everyone is struggling with. It becomes more tricky when it involves blood or other bodily fluids and unattended dead bodies because of the dangerous pathogens and viruses anywhere on the surface. So, once the police and forensic works are completed, it's time to call the best dead body and odor removal companies, like 911 Bio & Trauma Cleaners.

Moreover, there are unique challenges that arise, such as when the deceased was a hoarder because if the home has already cluttered stuff, the risk of fly infestation is already higher. Cleaning a house filled with clutter and belongings requires a hoarding cleanup service's special attention and expertise. That's where we step in to help. With 15 years of experience serving the community, we understand the importance of thorough and safe cleaning. Using OSHA-approved equipment, our team meticulously removes biohazardous materials and pathogens, leaving no trace behind. Their services are available around the clock, providing support without judgment and ensuring complete privacy protection for their clients. From vehicle cleanup to home restoration, we serve society at all levels with our expertise.