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What really happens when a fly lands on your food
On any warm weather day, many people want to take advantage of dining al fresco. It’s hard to beat the feeling of a light breeze and the sun on your cheeks as you sip a glass of rosé. But that fairy tale can sometimes be interrupted by a pesky fly that insists on landing on your French fries.
Indoors or out, it’s a sight no one wants to see: You look away from your food for just a minute, only to turn around and find that a fly has found a new home on top of your pricey meal. Or worse, being forced to constantly wave your hand to keep said fly from settling on your plate.
Flies Can Carry Harmful Bacteria
Black flies are not picky eaters. These insects will eat anything from roadkill to a perfectly cooked steak; they’ll never say no to a meal. As a result, flies often land on garbage, expired animals, and other surfaces that allow them to pick up harmful bacteria, according to Mental Floss. Because flies land on food with their legs first, these bacteria tend to live on their legs-meaning that even a brief stop at your plate is enough to transfer these bacteria to your tasty meal. In 2017, Scientific Reports (published in Nature) reported that research on flies proved that they can carry potentially deadly bacteria. It turns out that these pesky bugs can be riddled with salmonella, E. coli, and H. pylori, all of which can cause serious – or even fatal – food poisoning.
To make matters worse, flies can’t really chew; they don’t have teeth, according to Mental Floss. Instead, they regurgitate bile, which quickly breaks down whatever they’re munching on. It turns the solid food into a liquid that the fly can ingest. In short, if a fly spends a lot of time on your food, your dish could end up with harmful bacteria and fly vomit – neither of which makes for the best flavor.
Fruit flies are dangerous too
While it’s well known that those pesky black flies are a danger to your food, it turns out that your summer barbecue isn’t the only place you might find the bacteria-laden bugs. In fact, there are other flies that can pose the same threat, specifically fruit flies, which are much smaller than black flies and often hover around ripening fruit.
You’ve probably seen fruit flies in your kitchen if you’ve ever left the fruit bowl out for a few days. These bugs are about the size of mosquitoes, and while they are tiny, they can still pose a health risk. According to WebMD, fruit flies can carry germs just like black flies. Fruit flies like to eat rotting food, which means they often end up on garbage. The flies have been found to carry harmful bacteria such as salmonella, E. coli, and listeria.
It doesn’t take long for fruit flies to infest your home. WebMD also reports that these flies can land on food and quickly lay up to 2,000 eggs. They have a short life cycle, which means these eggs hatch quickly; within about 30 hours, the eggs have turned into maggots that feast on your food.
How to keep flies off your food
While it’s no fun having to deal with the critters, there are steps you can take to prevent flies from settling on your food. To keep black flies away from the buffet table, try adding some lemons. According to Today, flies hate the smell of lemons, so placing a few lemon wedges around the food might help keep the bugs away. Plus, they dress up the dish. You may need to use a lot of lemons, but Today suggests placing them in decorative bowls to add to the ambiance.
Outdoor Happens suggests using large fans to keep bugs from flying toward the food. Plus, if it’s a hot summer day, it might help keep guests cool. And if you want a solution that will also serve as a conversation starter, buy some Venus fly traps. The carnivorous bugs prey on insects such as flies, and their ability to trap the bugs often creates intrigue.
If fruit flies are the problem, The Spruce suggests washing and inspecting produce after purchase to make sure no fruit flies have already made themselves at home. And if the fruit is damaged or too old, throw it away.
By taking these precautions, you can greatly reduce the likelihood of flies landing on your food and potentially transferring harmful bacteria. Enjoy your meals without the unwanted company of flies!
FAQS
Why should I worry if a fly lands on my food?
Flies can carry harmful bacteria on their legs that can be transferred to your food, potentially causing food poisoning. In addition, flies regurgitate bile onto food, further compromising safety and hygiene.
What bacteria can flies carry?
Flies can carry bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and H. pylori, all of which can cause serious or even life-threatening foodborne illness.
Are fruit flies as dangerous as black flies when it comes to food contamination?
Yes, fruit flies can pose a risk. They can carry harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, and their rapid reproductive cycle allows them to quickly infest your food.
How can I keep flies from landing on my food?
You can try placing lemon wedges near the food, as flies dislike the smell of lemons. Using large fans can also deter flies, and investing in Venus fly traps can help catch them. Properly washing and inspecting produce and promptly discarding damaged or old fruit can also prevent fruit fly infestations.
Can flies carry diseases other than bacterial infections?
While bacterial infections are the primary concern, flies can also transmit other diseases, including parasitic infections such as intestinal worms and protozoa.
Can I still eat the food if a fly has landed on it?
It is generally recommended to throw away food that has been in contact with flies, as it may be contaminated with harmful bacteria. It is better to prioritize food safety and avoid potential health risks.