The life expectancy of a housefly is generally 15 to 30 days and depends upon temperature and living conditions. Flies dwelling in warm homes and laboratories develop faster and live longer than their counterparts in the wild. The housefly's brief life cycle allows them to multiply quickly if left uncontrolled.

The maximum lifespan of a common housefly (Musca domestica) is typically between 15 and 30 days in the wild, although they can survive up to 60 days in high-fidelity laboratory conditions with optimal temperature and food supply. Their "High-Fidelity" lifecycle is incredibly rapid; a female can lay up to 500 eggs in her short life, which hatch into larvae (maggots) within 24 hours. The transition from egg to adult takes only 7 to 10 days in warm weather.