8. IT is simply the larval stage of the common house fly, and is often found on dead bodies. What's the word for these critters that is also used to refer to recruits in the armed services?
From Quiz IT (NOT Stephen King)
Answer:
Maggots
Maggots are insect larvae in general, and the term is used for green bottle fly larvae in particular when used medicinally. They may also be found in and on any decaying matter, such as rotting things in your garbage. Maggots are nature's cleaners, and the service they provide allows them to thrive as they eat. They have been found useful in forensic science to help determine time of death and other information. Maggots have long been used in medicine to clean wounds when they eat only decayed flesh, and it is necessary to get rid of decay in order to promote healthy growth. Too much of a good thing or the wrong type of maggot can lead to removal of live tissue and Myiasis (infestation and infection). Medicinal maggots are now disinfected before being used. There are about 300 institutes in the U.S. that use Maggot Debridement, and more than three times that number in the U.K.
To keep maggots away from your environment, practice strict hygiene, bag and freeze organic garbage till trash day, and inspect your pets' skin and your own to check for possible entry sites. Maggots have been known to enter any animal through any orifice, and those entering facial orifices may make their way to the brain with disastrous to fatal consequences. Livestock such as sheep may be sprayed, dipped, shaved and cleansed of hair around the backside (dried urine and fecal matter attract maggots). Mulesing (skin removal to tighten skin in the hind quarters) and docking are practices that have caused animal rights groups and others concerns for the animals. There is severe economic impact involved, for example an estimated $170 million dollar loss in Australia's sheep industry every year from maggots. Infestation usually leads to anorexia and death of the host.
Getting rid of maggots is difficult in large livestock breeding areas, as it usually requires pesticides, extreme heat or cold to kill. Once the maggot has reached adulthood it begins the egg laying process all over again.
Be thankful this is NOT a photo quiz, as most humans react negatively even to pictures of maggots.