Fruit flies

Fruit flies have a very simple genetic structure, which makes them ideal for genetic research. It is useful to study mutant fruit flies, as their quick reproduction rate allows scientists to observe the advantages and disadvantages of certain mutations.

It was fruit fly experiments that led to the understanding that genes are carried in long strings called chromosomes. They say they have unraveled more than 97 percent of the fly’s genetic code and more than 99 percent of the actual genes. In all, it turns out that every fruit fly cell contains 13,601 genes.

Fruit flies can learn simple tasks, they form memories, and they can also forget. During the learning session, flies are allowed to smell an odor and at the same time they receive a mild shock of electricity. Flies learn that they will feel a bit of pain when they smell the odor.

Fruit flies are also a valuable asset to scientists performing genetic research, since fruit flies and humans share 75% of those genes which cause disease. Their short lifespan is also amenable to examining changes and mutations that can occur between birth and death.

Fruit flies can’t stand the smell of basil, peppermint, eucalyptus, lemongrass, lavender and clove. If you’ve had a fruit fly problem in the past, try placing these fragrant herbs in muslin sacks or tea bags and hanging them around the house.

Look first for fruit fly sources in areas where vegetables or fruits are stored outside refrigeration. Also look for fruit fly sources in garbage cans, under appliances, and recycling bins. Even a little-spilled juice behind an appliance can contribute to their breeding.

How Did I Get Fruit Flies? Fruit flies often infest homes with ripe, rotting, or decayed fruit and produce. They also enjoy fermented items such as beer, liquor, and wine. Fruit flies also may breed and develop in drains, garbage disposals, trash cans, and mop buckets.

Pour boiling white vinegar or boiling water into drains. This is a simple way to get rid of fruit flies immediately. Many fruit flies make themselves at home in moist and hidden areas, such as shower drains, sink drains, garbage disposals, toilets, and more.

Since fruit or vinegar flies prefer fermenting fruit and food particles in mop water or even on wet mops, these flies do not feed on blood, and they do not have biting mouthparts. So, these flies do not bite people even though infestations may total thousands.

Science Says: Swatting Fruit Flies Is Annoying Because They’re Basically Tiny Fighter Jets. As proven time and time again after you leave those bananas on the counter for too long, the grasping meathooks we call hands are basically ineffective when faced with the ever elusive fruit fly.