How to Culture House Flies

Obtain a culture of flies or fly maggots. These starter cultures can be obtained from natural sources, such as near manure or something that's rotting, or they can be purchased through reptile or insect stores.

Place the starter culture in a medium-sized habitat, such as a 10-gallon glass terrarium or plastic container.

Keep the habitat between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The humidity in the habitat should be between 40 and 60 percent.

Fill a shallow bowl with wood chips. Never use redwood, pine or cedar chips, as these are often treated with insecticides. Pour water over the wood chips; they should rise slightly above the water. Place this dish of wood chips and water in the fly habitat. This is what the flies will drink from as the wood chips will prevent drowning.

Fill a second shallow dish with 50 percent powdered milk and 50 percent granulated sugar. Place this dish in the fly habitat as well. This is what the adult flies will eat.

Create a mixture that will encourage the flies to lay eggs. There are several different mixtures that can be used. Reptile or insect enthusiasts often have differing views on what works best. Trying a method is the best way to find out if it will work for you, and the particular housefly strain you're culturing. Dog or cat food can be mixed with water, in one instance. Powdered milk, or regular milk, mixed with water can also be used. The strong smells created by these mixtures will encourage egg laying.

Use the mixture in the bowl to soak about 2 or 3 inches of wood chips, paper towels, or shredded paper. The chips or paper should be quite damp, but should be at least 1/2 inch above the mixture, to prevent drowning. The mixture and substrate can be placed directly on the floor of the habitat, or in a bowl, depending on moisture level. Replace the egg laying substrate every day or so, to prevent the growth of bacteria. Eggs hatch within 24 hours, so replacing the egg laying mixture will not cause you to lose too many eggs. Eggs can remain in the main habitat, be moved to a separate container to hatch or even get placed in the habitat of the animal that will be eating them.

Clean the fly habitat of waste and dead flies every two or three days. Flies can be shaken into a separate container to allow for cleaning. Replace the water and fly food as well.