Why Do Fruit Flies Look Like Gnats?

Fruit flies are very tiny bugs, which can be hard to detect. They usually lay their eggs inside vegetables and fruits. However, they can also “smell” their way into homes by following the faint smell of fermenting food. In order to avoid attracting fruit flies, it is important to keep your fruits and vegetables clean and stored in the refrigerator.

While both fruit flies and gnats can look similar, they are very different. Adult fruit flies are about 1/8-inch long, tan or brown-black in color, with red eyes. Their antennae are also shorter than those of gnats. Gnats have a more yellowish appearance and have longer legs than fruit flies.

Fruit flies are harmful because they can spread germs from one area to another. They can carry salmonella, E. coli, listeria, or other harmful bacteria. This can make you sick and even put you in the hospital. To prevent fruit flies, thoroughly wash your fruits and vegetables before preparing them.

Fruit flies lay their eggs in rotting fruit and can be a nuisance at your home. They enter your home through a crack in the wall, or through the pre-laid eggs in fruits you purchase at the grocery store.