Fruit flies are a common pest anywhere there is food around. While they most often go after rotting fruit, they can be found going after other foods as well, including cat food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most foods that attract them have the following characteristics:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- A sweet smell<\/li>
- Being sugary<\/li>
- Have a fermented scent<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
We’ll go into more detail below, and give some tips on controlling fruit fly outbreaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nAre Fruit Flies Attracted to Cat Food?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nYes, fruit flies are attracted to cat food. Most people do not know this because they think fruit flies are only <\/em>attracted to fruits. But this is not the case. Fruit flies will swarm around just about any food that sits out for a while.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It can be challenging to keep cat food fresh all day long. It is at risk of being infested by fruit flies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cats are such finicky eaters. They habitually eat throughout the day rather than finishing their food immediately. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes, fruit flies are attracted to cat food. Most people do not know this because they think fruit flies are only attracted to fruits. But this is not the case. Fruit flies will swarm around just about any food that sits out for a while.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The food will degrade and attract flies if it is left out in the heat. The fruit flies feed on it and lay their eggs<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oh joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nIdentifying Fruit Flies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAdult fruit flies<\/a> are about an eighth inch long and have red eyes. Their fronts are usually tan and black at the rear. They lay their eggs on almost all types of foods or any moist organic materials. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When they hatch, the tiny larvae feed near the surface of the food.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If they do this on a fruit or vegetable that is damaged or overly ripened<\/a>, you might want to cut away that portion or toss it to avoid ingesting any remaining larvae. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fruit flies have high reproductive potential, and they can lay up to 500 eggs during their lifecycle, which lasts about a week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can have an infestation in your home by bringing in over-ripe fruits and vegetables that fruit flies have already infested. In addition, if your house does not have adequate screening on the doors or windows, adult fruit flies can also fly in and infest your home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Primarily, fruit flies can be called nuisance pests. However, if left unchecked, they can contaminate food with disease-ridden bacteria and other organisms.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nHow to Keep Fruit Flies Away from Your Cat Food<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The first thing is to change the location of your cat food<\/a>. If you used to keep your cat’s food out in the sun, try a place away from direct sunlight. Serve your cat in a cool room, preferably inside your house. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remember, this should also be away from the cat’s litter tray. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having the food remain cool will help keep it fresh longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having the cat food remain inside a cool room will help keep it fresh longer.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Fruit Fly Traps<\/h3>\n\n\n\n