Insects → House Flies

The House Fly

Understanding how flies see the world - and why light patterns change their behaviour.

Common Species

The most frequent nuisance flies in homes belong to the blowfly group — such as Calliphora vomitoria and Calliphora vicina. These species are strongly attracted to food odours and often seek cooler shaded environments indoors.
  • Found worldwide in homes and kitchens
  • Strongly attracted to odours
  • Active in warmer months
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Compound Eyes

  1. 1
    Ommatidia
    Each compound eye contains thousands of tiny lenses. Each captures part of the visual field, together forming a mosaic image.
  2. 2
    Motion Sensitivity
    Flies detect rapid movement far better than humans, allowing them to react almost instantly.
  3. 3
    Light/Reflections
    Reflections and shadows create interference patterns that confuse their navigation.

Fly Behaviour

Attraction to Food

Flies are strongly attracted to odours from food and waste, sometimes overwhelming other cues.

Indoor Preference

Flies often enter homes to seek cooler, shaded areas during hot weather.

Sensitivity to Light

Rapid changes in light and reflections influence their movement and flight paths.

Why Light Patterns Work

Flies' compound eyes process thousands of micro-images. Repeated reflections and optical interference disrupt their ability to navigate.

Dome & Light

The dome bends natural light into multiple directions, sending scattered rays toward the fly’s compound eyes.

Visual Confusion

Thousands of ommatidia receive overlapping light signals, creating confusion the fly cannot process.

Avoidance Response

Unable to resolve the patterns, the fly’s reflex is to turn away and avoid the source.

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