House Flies

"House Flies" by L. O. Howard is a scientific publication issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the early 20th century. The book delves into the biology, life cycle, and public health implications of the common house fly, primarily the species "Musca domestica". It likely serves as an educational resource aimed at farmers and the general public, addressing the importance of controlling fly populations due to their role in spreading diseases. The content of "House Flies" covers various aspects related to the house fly, including its life history, breeding habits, and ecological role. Howard explains how house flies lay their eggs in decaying organic matter, which contributes to their rapid reproduction and high populations. Significant emphasis is placed on the health risks posed by house flies, including their ability to transfer pathogens that can lead to diseases such as typhoid fever and cholera. The book also discusses preventive measures and control methods, emphasizing community hygiene practices and proper waste management to mitigate fly infestations and protect public health. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Leland Ossian Howard was a pioneer American entomologist who worked in the US Department of Agriculture. Serving as the chief of the bureau of entomology, a successor to C.V. Riley, he helped establish economic entomology as a profession in the United States and strengthened research activities, helping establish laws to prevent the introduction of agricultural pests. He was a specialist on the parasitic wasp family Chalcididae, and contributed to the introduction of biological control agents for pest management. Howard also took an interest in medical entomology.