FLIES have been outed as the dirty bombers of the insect world, carrying more harmful bacteria than previously thought.

Scientis at Penn State Eberly College of Science in America have found that common houseflies carry salmonella, e-coli and other bacteria that can lead to stomach ulcers and deadly sepsis.

Results show that the housefly harboured 351 types of bacteria and the blowfly, found in warmer climates, carried 316 with a large crossover of bacteria found in both types.

The study examined the microbiology of 116 flies from three continents.

Donald Bryant, one of the authors, said in the journal Scientific Reports: “Think twice about eating that potato salad that’s been sitting out at your next picnic.”

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