How do house fly carry disease causing microbes (or pathogens)?

House flies are known to carry disease-causing microbes, or pathogens, on their bodies and in their digestive systems. They can transmit these pathogens to humans and other animals in several ways:

Contaminated feeding habits: House flies are attracted to decaying organic matter, garbage, and sewage. They feed by regurgitating digestive fluids onto their food to liquefy it and then ingest the liquid. During this process, they pick up pathogens from the contaminated substances they are feeding on.

Contact with contaminated surfaces: Flies land on a variety of surfaces, including feces, animal carcasses, and rotting food. Pathogens present on these surfaces can adhere to the fly's body and legs. When the fly later lands on food, utensils, or other surfaces, it can transfer these pathogens.

Defecation: House flies defecate frequently, and their feces can contain a variety of pathogens. When flies land on food or other surfaces, they may deposit these pathogens through their feces, contaminating the area.

Mechanical transmission: House flies do not bite or have specialized mouthparts for transmitting diseases directly into the bloodstream like some other insects, such as mosquitoes. Instead, they mechanically transmit pathogens by carrying them on their bodies and depositing them on surfaces or in food. When people come into contact with these contaminated surfaces or consume contaminated food, they can become infected.

Common pathogens carried by house flies include bacteria like Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella, and Shigella, as well as various types of viruses. These pathogens can cause illnesses like food poisoning, gastroenteritis, and other infections when they enter the human body.

Preventing the transmission of diseases by house flies involves implementing proper sanitation practices, such as keeping food covered, disposing of garbage properly, and maintaining clean living environments. The use of fly screens, traps, and insecticides can also help reduce fly populations and the risk of disease transmission.