housefly, (Musca domestica), a common insect of the family Muscidae (order Diptera). … Because it has sponging or lapping mouthparts, the housefly cannot bite; a near relative, the stable fly, however, does bite.

Can normal flies hurt you?

The house fly and other types of “filth flies” can become nuisance pests, but also are important for their potential to harm humans and animals. House flies, for example, can spread diseases such as food poisoning and dysentery.

Are Biting flies the same as house flies?

Mainly found in late summer and early fall, these biting flies primarily feed on livestock. They look similar to house flies, but stable flies have a pointed mouthpart used to suck blood.