“Every weekend, I go to Kalerwe Market to buy fruits and other food items for the week. But after just two days, my kitchen becomes unbearable—fruit flies are everywhere, swarming around my fruit basket,” says Martha Nanyonjo, 32, a resident of Kawala, a suburb of Kampala.
Nanyonjo, a single mother of three, recalls a day when she almost lost all her tomatoes due to the infestation of fruit flies. Her experience is similar to that of many others struggling with these pests in their homes.
According to Alfred Otim, a tomatoes and passion fruits expert at the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), while there is no scientific proof that fruit flies are harmful to human health, they can be a major nuisance in homes.
“Fruit flies are usually attracted to overripe vegetables and fruits like mangoes, tomatoes, and grapes. Once they come into contact with the fruit, they linger until it starts to rot,” Otim explains.
“These insects are small but troublesome. They invade homes where fruits are left on counters or stored in baskets. While there is no known health risk associated with fruit flies, any food that is spoiled is unsafe for consumption,” Otim adds.
He further explains that fruit flies lay eggs on fruits and vegetables, and once the eggs hatch, the larvae burrow inside, consuming the fruit from within.
How to Prevent Fruit Flies at Home
Lawrence Lwanyaga, a professional agriculturalist and gardener at the School of Gardening and Landscaping CIDI, emphasizes that the best way to prevent fruit fly infestations is through proper hygiene.
He notes that many people mistakenly dispose of fruit peelings carelessly in their kitchens, which attracts the flies. Lwanyaga suggests the following measures to prevent fruit flies:
Mop the kitchen floors regularly and clean food storage areas, including fruit baskets.
- Ensure garbage bins are covered and emptied frequently.
- Wash fruits and vegetables as soon as you bring them home to remove potential larvae.
- If possible, store fruits in the fridge or allow them to dry completely before storage.
Harvesting Tips to Avoid Infestation
Moses Businge, a gardener at Kyaligonza Professional Gardeners, advises those with backyard gardens to be mindful of harvesting conditions.
“If you have a farm and don’t need to buy produce from the market, it’s best to harvest during dry conditions. If the produce is wet, ensure it is properly dried before storage,” he advises.
By following these simple steps, households can reduce fruit fly infestations and keep their kitchens clean and fresh.
