The idea that all the fruit flies buzzing around are laying their eggs somewhere in our household is scary. Possibly even on the fruit in the fruit basket, which is their favorite landing spot. No more mental cinema, let's take a closer look at the facts.
How can I identify fruit fly eggs?
Fruit fly eggs are elongated in shape and white-yellowish in color. However, you can't see them with the naked eyebecause they are simply too tiny for that. Even the larvae that hatch from them are almost invisibly small. An infestation is only noticeable when fruit flies are buzzing around.
How many eggs can a fruit fly lay?
Each female fruit fly lays up to 400 eggs just one day after fertilization.
When do fruit flies become sexually mature?
The small insects, also known as fruit flies, vinegar flies and fruit flies, arecapable of mating immediately after hatching. It is also thanks to this fact that they quickly develop into a nuisance. The warm temperatures of summer in particular encourage explosive reproduction, while fruit flies are not as common in winter.
Is it dangerous if I accidentally eat some eggs?
No, you don't have to worry. Eating fruit fly eggs is not dangerous and does not cause illness. In fact, every person will unnoticed eat a lot of fruit fly eggs in the course of their life, as they occur wherever they live or store fruit and vegetables. The fruit flies themselves are also harmless to humans.
How long does it take for an egg to become a fly?
The development of an adult fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) takesabout two weeks. In warm temperatures, development can be completed after just 10 days.
Where do fruit flies lay their eggs?
Fruit flies lay their eggs on their own food. For example, onfruit and vegetables, onleftover foodor onorganic waste in the trash can. They prefer fruits that are already damaged, overripe or fermenting. The food of fruit flies and their larvae is not the fruit itself, but bacteria and yeast that accompany the rotting process.
What can I do against fruit fly eggs?
Avoid searching for nests. You won't be able to find the tiny eggs. Knowing that they are mostly placed on fruits and vegetables, you can take the following measures:
- Wash fruit thoroughly
- immediately after purchase or harvest
- sort out overripe and rotten specimens
- keep in closed containers
- do not leave any other “fly food” lying around in the open
Tip
Fruit flies do not lay their eggs in the potting soil
If small flies emerge from the potting soil of your kitchen plants, you are dealing with so-called fungus gnats. They have a dark body color while fruit flies are reddish brown.
