There are more than 120,000 species or types of flies in the world, and 18,000 of those species can be found in North America. 

Although they only live for about 21 days total, female houseflies can lay up to 600 eggs in their lifetime and female fruit flies can lay up to 500 during their 8- to 10-day lifespan. It’s no wonder why it seems like when these pests invade, there are so many of them! Although house and fruit flies do not bite, they are pretty gross and can share more than 100 harmful bacteria that can make us really sick.

It may sometimes feel like flies show up without any warning signs, so where do they come from and how do they end up in our house? Read on to learn where to find them and how to get rid of these pesky invaders.