Fruit Flies: A Common Kitchen Nuisance
Have you been noticing fruit flies more often recently? It’s probably because the weather has been so lovely and warm, which is perfect for them! They aren’t dangerous, but they can be pretty bothersome when they make their way into the kitchen, right? Did you know that fruit flies grow twice as fast in summer thanks to all that lovely warm weather? How do they appear, though?
How Do Fruit Flies Appear?
“Most of the time, these insects arrive via the fruit you buy at the supermarket or your local greengrocer,” explains Francois Verheggen, professor of zoology at ULg. “They’re on the fruit in the form of eggs or larvae, and you bring them into your kitchen. Adults appear, mate, lay eggs, and the cycle comes full circle. These flies reproduce very quickly.”
Rapid Reproduction in Warm Temperatures
At a temperature of 22 degrees, a fly can lay hundreds of eggs. And very quickly, your kitchen can be invaded. Columnist Mélanie Guisset, who gives advice on how to keep your vegetable garden on the Instagram account melting.green, notes that tomatoes or zucchinis that are a little damaged are ‘good customers’ for these insects. “Don’t leave them lying around on the work surface; it’s better to eat them first,” she advises.
Preventative Measures Against Fruit Flies
She recommends a few good practices that can prevent the appearance of these insects: rinse and dry your fruit and vegetables thoroughly, or place onions studded with cloves near your fruit and vegetable baskets. These simple steps can help minimize the risk of an infestation.
DIY Solutions to Eliminate Fruit Flies
If, despite everything, fruit flies do develop, there are still other tricks: “You can find little insect traps in shops, in which you put very sweet things: beer, grenadine, cider. You can also make your own: all you have to do is put cider vinegar in a glass and mix it with washing-up liquid, which really attracts them.”
The Impact of Fruit Flies on Hygiene
Flies carry germs that can damage the hygiene of your fruit and vegetables, but they are not harmful to your health. While they may be a nuisance, following these tips can help keep your kitchen fruit fly-free.
