Maggots lack definite heads, eyes, antennae, and legs. Their bodies are pointed at the front end and gradually widen at the rear. Fly maggots feed on the material in which they find themselves. Following three larval molts, mature larvae stop feeding and burrow into drier surrounding areas, where they pupate. The pupa is a chestnut brown, oval object within which the larva changes into an adult house fly.
Adults mate within one to two days after emerging from their pupal cases.
The life cycle from egg to adult can happen in as little as one week, but typically it takes three weeks. Some overwinter outdoors in protected locations, or in crevices in buildings. Control The four basic principles of house fly control in order of lasting effectiveness are sanitation, exclusion, non-chemical measures, and chemical methods. Sanitation Flies can't breed in large numbers if food sources are limited. Don't allow materials such as manure, garbage, weed piles, grass clippings, or other decaying organic matter to accumulate.