Which fly is known for laying its eggs in trash cans or congregating around soiled trash?

The house fly is recognized for its tendency to lay eggs in trash cans and to gather around soiled trash. These flies are commonly associated with decaying organic matter, which provides an ideal environment for their breeding. The larvae, or maggots, thrive in such conditions, where they can feed on the waste material, ultimately leading to the growth of more adult house flies.

In contrast, fruit flies are attracted to fermenting fruits and vegetables rather than general waste, while dragonflies and horse flies are not known for scavenging and have different ecological roles. Dragonflies are primarily predators of other insects, and horse flies are known for feeding on the blood of livestock and other animals. Thus, the behavior and habitat preferences of these other options do not align with the house fly's association with trash and decaying materials.