Flies are one of the most annoying insects that are commonly found in our homes. They buzz around, land on our food, and ruin our peace. But, have you ever wondered why flies are so attracted to us and our food? Furthermore, have you ever thought about what happens when a fly lands on food, or even worse, on our bodies? Do flies puke when they land? In this article, we will explore the gross truth about flies and their behavior.
The Anatomy of Flies
Before we dive into the topic of whether or not flies puke when they land, let’s take a closer look at their anatomy. Flies are insects with a complex anatomy that is different from other animals.
The Mouthpart of Flies
Flies have a specialized mouthpart called a proboscis, which is an elongated, tube-like structure that serves as a straw for feeding on liquids. Unlike humans, flies cannot chew their food. Instead, they regurgitate a liquid substance onto their food source and then suck it up. This liquid substance is produced in their crop, which is an expanded part of their esophagus.
The Digestive System of Flies
The digestive system of flies is relatively simple. It consists of a mouthpart, an esophagus, a crop, a midgut, and a hindgut. The crop is responsible for the production of the liquid substance that flies regurgitate onto their food source, while the midgut is responsible for the absorption of nutrients from the food.
The Behavior of Flies
Why Do Flies Land on Us and Our Food?
Flies are attracted to us and our food because they are looking for a source of nutrition. They are especially attracted to sweet and sugary foods, as well as fermenting foods, such as cheese and beer.
Do Flies Puke When They Land on Us or Our Food?
Contrary to popular belief, flies do not actually puke when they land on us or our food. Instead, they deposit a small amount of liquid onto the surface they land on. This liquid is not actually vomit, but rather a mixture of saliva and digestive enzymes.
How to Keep Flies at Bay
Clean Your Surroundings
The best way to keep flies at bay is to keep your surroundings clean. Flies are attracted to dirty and messy areas, so make sure to keep your home and surroundings clean and clutter-free.
Use Fly Repellents
You can use fly repellents to keep these pesky insects away from your home. There are a variety of fly repellents available in the market, ranging from sprays and lotions to traps and zappers.
Cover Your Food
If you are eating outside or having a picnic, make sure to cover your food to prevent flies from landing on it. You can use a mesh cover or even a simple cloth to cover your food.
The Bottom Line
Flies are an annoying and persistent presence in our lives. While they do not puke when they land on us or our food, they do leave behind saliva and digestive enzymes. Keeping your surroundings clean, using fly repellents, and covering your food can help keep these pesky insects at bay.
Common Questions and Answers
- Do flies puke when they land on food? No, flies do not actually puke when they land on food. They deposit a small amount of liquid onto the surface they land on, which is a mixture of saliva and digestive enzymes.
- Do flies transmit diseases? Yes, flies can transmit diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid fever.
- Can fly repellents harm humans or pets? Some fly repellents contain chemicals that can be harmful to humans or pets if ingested or inhaled. It is important to read the label and use the repellent as directed.
- How do I get rid of flies in my home? You can get rid of flies in your home by keeping your surroundings clean, using fly repellents, and sealing any entry points. You can also use traps or zappers to catch them.
- What foods are flies attracted to? Flies are attracted to sweet and sugary foods, as well as fermenting foods such as cheese and beer.
References
[1] Chakrabarti, P. (2019). An overview of insect anatomy.
[2] Nation, J. L. (2019). Insect physiology and biochemistry.
[3] Blackith, R. E., & Blackith, R. M. (1993). The natural selection of the chemical ecology of flies.