Traditionally the safest way to avoid health risks when a fly lands on your food is to ditch the food and move on, however now scientists are giving specific information on when a fly on your food is really dangerous.
According to Dr. Cameron Webb of the University of Sydney, poisoning will be unlikely if the insect has only made what he refers to as a single touchdown. “In most instances, spotting a fly on your food doesn’t mean you need to throw it out,” Webb wrote in opinion piece published by the University.
Webb went on to explain that “While there is little doubt that flies can carry bacteria, viruses and parasites from waste to our food, a single touchdown is unlikely to trigger a chain reaction leading to illness for the average healthy person,”.
Moreover Webb stated that; “House flies don’t bite. Unlike mosquitoes that transmit pathogens of human health importance in their saliva, house flies transmit pathogens on their feet and body. As well as leaving behind pathogen-filled footprints, the flies leave their poop on our food. They vomit too. Flies that land out of sight and then wander about for a few minutes vomiting and pooping on your food or food preparation area are more of a concern.”
Sound advice is that one should always be cautious of their food and to make sure to keep food preparation areas clean and covered from any flies!
If you are worried about the fly population at your home or business make sure to contact a pest control professional to help eradicate the issue. If located in Southern California contact the experts at Innovative Pest Solutions!