Fruit flies are tiny pests with a nasty habit of flying around your food. If you are wondering, do fruit flies bite? Some people say they do, while others don’t. In addition, fruit flies tend to get out of control in the kitchen when left hanging around for a few days. However, having an idea about common flies is not a bad idea.
Continue reading to find out more about fruit flies and their bite.
Table of Contents
What do fruit flies look like?
Fruit flies are small, oval-shaped flies that typically grow to be only 1/8th of an inch in length. They have a tan thorax and black abdomen with a gray underbelly. Fruit flies can be distinguished from other types by their characteristic markings.
Fruit flies have red eyes, but some can have dark-colored eyes. They also have a bristly antenna.
Where do fruit flies come from?
Fruit flies come from various places but typically infest a home when looking for food. They reproduce quickly, and their life cycle is very rapid, so their population can grow rapidly. It can be a nuisance and cause some people to suffer from fruit fly bites.
Fruit flies can enter your home from various places, but the most common way is through an open window. They can also come in on produce that you bring in from your garden.
And finally, if they are laying eggs inside drains, the eggs and adults can easily migrate into your home. These pesky bugs are a common pest throughout the year.
Fruit Fly Life Cycle
The life cycle of a fruit fly is very fast. Eggs hatch in about a day. Adults are adults in 8 to 10 days and reproduce within 24 to 48 hours. Adult flies live for 25 to 30 days if conditions are right.
Interestingly, fruit flies take advantage of winter’s freezing temperatures by hibernating. It allows them to avoid the harsh conditions and live through the winter.
Do fruit flies bite? Some people say they do!
Fruit flies may be the vector for some diseases, they can bite people. They feed on fermenting fruit and decaying organic matter instead of human blood. It is why they are often found near compost piles or in other areas where there is rotting food.
Drosophila has no interest in biting us like other flies- they would much rather feast on the sweet juices from overripe fruit!
Interestingly, fruit fly bites are not dangerous. Most fruit fly species that bite are attracted to humans and animals for the sweet liquids that flow from our skin. Although their bites may be slightly irritating, they will not cause long-term health effects.
Symptoms of fruit flies bites
Fruit flies are not biting insects and do not feed on blood. Occasionally, when someone has a lot of fruit flies around them, they might notice a mild rash, itch, or bumps after a fruit fly has landed on them. It is usually nothing to worry about and will go away.
The bacteria that fruit flies carry can often cause irritation, which is why some say they have bitten them. The symptoms of a bite may vary depending on the person, but there will likely be some redness or swelling at the site.
Can fruit flies fly?
Fruit flies are a common household pest. They are attracted to food and can contaminate it with bacteria and other disease-producing organisms. The adults can fly in through inadequately screened windows and doors, so keeping your home sealed up tight is important.
Can fruit flies lay eggs in humans?
Yes, fruit flies can lay eggs in humans. They often lay their eggs on other insects or objects. The larvae that develop from these eggs will eventually become mature larvae that burrow into the skin.
It may happen when people come in contact with fly eggs, which can irritate and cause symptoms such as swelling, redness, and pain.
Do fruit flies carry disease?
Fruit flies are known for being sponges for bacteria and disease. Their footprints can be a petri dish of bacteria and disease.
They have been proven to carry pathogenic bacteria, which can spread to humans via contact. It is important to take precautions around fruit flies, as they can pose a health risk.
Can fruit flies make you sick?
Yes, fruit flies can bite and may carry bacteria that can make you sick. Some common symptoms of food poisoning from fruit flies include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.
The severity of food poisoning varies depending on the type of food ingested, but it can sometimes be life-threatening.
Are fruit flies harmful pests?
Although fruit flies are not typically considered harmful, they can bite humans. If a fruit fly bites you, you may experience symptoms such as swelling and redness.
While they might not carry diseases that are harmful to humans, they can transport bacteria like Listeria, salmonella, and E. coli. It means that if these flies come into contact with food, there is a chance that the food could become contaminated.
To kill a fruit fly, you must use your bare hands and dispose of it in a paper towel or another method. After contact with a fruit fly, wash your hands thoroughly.
How do you get rid of fruit flies from your house area?
You can do a few simple things to get rid of fruit flies:
- First, make sure you dispose of any excess produce properly.
- Second, keep your kitchen clean and free of spills – especially fruit juice or alcohol.
- Store your fresh fruits and vegetables in the fridge to eliminate fruit flies.
- Ensure you take out the rubbish regularly, so the fruit flies don’t have anything to feed on.
- Pour an inch of apple cider vinegar into a bowl and place it near the fruit flies congregating. The vinegar will attract them, and they will drown in it.
- Another way is to make a trap using a small hole created by snipping off one of the corners of a bag and then placing the trap near the infestation.
- And finally, if all else fails, there are several traps and deterrents you can use to get rid of fruit flies for good.
Conclusion
Although fruit flies are disgusting, they will not ravage you with the disease. If hungry enough or you give them what they want, they will bite you, but it is not their preferred food source. Fly traps: Fruit flies do not feed on blood or have biting mouthparts.
In conclusion, you can do a few things to reduce the chances of getting fruit flies. Place fly traps near windows, doors, and garbage cans. Rubbish bins should be tightly closed, and the surrounding area should be kept clean.
