What Fly’s Do to Fruit?

You may not know exactly what flies do to fruit, but they do cause a great deal of damage. Fruit flies love ripe fruit and vegetables, so you need to make sure you store your produce in the refrigerator. Additionally, they are attracted to sugar and alcohol, so you should take precautions when you open juice products or wine bottles.

Fruit flies are small insects that are common in supermarkets, restaurants, and homes. Adult flies are usually about an eighth of an inch long and have black or tan fronts and rears. They feed on over-ripe fruit and lay eggs near the surface. It is best to remove rotting or damaged fruit or vegetables before they turn into mush.

Fruit flies can enter your home through cracks in the walls or in the fruit you purchase at the grocery store. They are tiny, but they can smell food and follow it. Even a very faint odor of fermentation can attract fruit flies. Once inside, they may lay their eggs.

When flies attack fruit, they can destroy an entire crop. In some cases, the flies can eat an entire orchard, making it worthless. Commercial producers must take measures to control these pests or risk being placed under quarantine. In addition, this can make it more difficult for them to reach market.

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