expression, godan verb (-ku)
a widower soon goes to seed; a man alone becomes untidy
Proverb implying that without a woman's care, a man's household and personal habits deteriorate. Often used humorously or critically.
「男やもめに蛆がわく」と言うけど、一人暮らしが長いと本当に部屋が散らかるよ。
They say 'a widower soon goes to seed,' and it's true—when you live alone for a long time, your room really gets messy.
彼は妻に先立たれてから、男やもめに蛆がわくという感じで、家の中が荒れ放題だ。
Since his wife passed away, he's let the house go completely, just like the proverb says about widowers.