How Do Food Flies Come About?
WouterMost fruit flies are drawn to fermented foods. They lay their eggs on the surface of ripe fruits and vegetables. Their larvae can feed almost immediately after hatching. The brains of fruit flies are highly developed; they have more than 100,000 neurons in discrete circuits, which dictate complex behaviors. They’re also attracted to moisture, so avoid leaving dirty floor mops, sponges, and mop buckets lying around.
You can control fruit flies by keeping the kitchen clean and keeping your produce in the refrigerator. Ensure that you wash all produce thoroughly before you store it. You can also keep a container for food scraps in the freezer or compost bin. Also, remember to regularly empty your kitchen trash and to clean up spilled juices.
While fruit flies can be a nuisance year-round, they are most common during the summer and early fall. You can keep fruit flies at bay by avoiding rotting fruits and vegetables. The insects’ eggs are tiny and easily transported into the house on perishable produce.
While fruit flies seem to appear out of nowhere, their scientific name, Drosophila melanogaster, explains their behavior. These flies have a unique sense of smell and can detect fruit that is past its ripe stage. They have been responsible for six Nobel prizes.
