Explain why do flies buzz near ripe fruits?

What attracts flies to ripe fruits?

Flies particularly love ripe fruits because of their sweet smell, which is very attractive to them. As they ripen, fruits produce a series of volatile chemical compounds (alcohols, acids, esters) that are easily detectable by flies. The riper the fruit becomes (even slightly fermented), the more these compounds are produced: a true invitation to come and feast! Additionally, the soft and moist texture of ripe fruit provides an ideal surface for feeding and laying eggs. In short, for a fly, a ripe fruit looks like an irresistible delicious buffet.

What sensory mechanisms guide flies towards ripe fruits?

Flies primarily locate themselves thanks to their incredible sense of smell. Their antennas easily detect the characteristic sweet smell of ripe fruits, released by certain volatile molecules resulting from sugar fermentation, particularly ethanol and acetic acid. The hundreds of tiny sensory hairs on their antennas function like miniature radars that can guide them precisely toward these appetizing odors, even from a distance. In addition to this highly developed sense of smell, their vision also helps a bit: they are sensitive to bright colors, especially the shades of yellow, orange, or red typical of ripe fruits. To put it simply, flies effectively track specific chemical and visual signals: as soon as they pick up on these sensory cues, it's time for a feast!

Which ripe fruits particularly attract flies?

Sweet ripe fruits like bananas, apples, peaches, pears, figs, or melons particularly attract flies. The riper and softer the fruit, the higher its fermented sugar content increases, producing fragrant compounds that are highly appreciated by these little curious creatures. Flies love the pronounced scents released by the fruit as it becomes a bit overripe, even fermented. Citrus fruits like oranges and tangerines can also become very attractive as they age, especially when they start to spoil, releasing their juices and tangy odors. The same goes for those with delicate skins like strawberries, cherries, or plums, which, by deteriorating quickly, rapidly attract these noisy visitors.

What role do flies play around ripe fruit?

Flies primarily play the role of natural decomposer. When they land on ripe fruits, they contribute to their degradation by laying eggs, from which larvae will quickly emerge. These larvae greatly accelerate decomposition by consuming the flesh of the fruit. This phenomenon is actually beneficial: it helps recycle nutrients by returning organic matter to the soil. As unpleasant as they may be in a kitchen, flies actively participate in the natural cycle by allowing other organisms, such as bacteria and fungi, to completely finish the job. Moreover, by flying from one fruit to another, flies sometimes facilitate the dispersion of spores and microorganisms. Therefore, they contribute discreetly but effectively to the overall balance of ecosystems.

How to prevent flies from being around ripe fruits?

To avoid flies, keep your ripe fruits in the cool, especially during warm periods: the cold prevents them from ripening too quickly and limits the emission of odors that attract insects. Also think about covering the fruits with a cloth or a fruit dome, as this prevents direct access for flies and reduces emanations. Regularly clean your kitchen to avoid food scraps, as they easily attract these pests. And don’t forget your trash cans: keep them covered, use well-sealed bags, and take them out often to prevent the accumulation of decomposition odors, which flies particularly enjoy. Some aromatic plants like basil, mint, or lavender can also deter these intruders when placed near your fruits.