What flies actually do when they land on your food revealed

They are the bane of our existence in Australia. Now a video has revealed what flies do when they land on your food.

Flies are one way to ruin an occasion, especially in Australia where we cop more than our fair share, and there’s nothing worse than when they land on your food.

Now an extraordinary clip has revealed what they are up to when they gatecrash your lunch.

A clip by Zack D. Films currently circulating X reveals that when flies descend on your grub the insects don’t immediately begin eating it.

“Flies can’t actually chew like humans, so instead they sort of puke up a special type of saliva right on top of your meal,” the video explained.

“This saliva contains digestive enzymes that break down your food into a slurpable liquid.

Flies vomit on your food to break it down so they can eat it. Picture: Twitter/Zack D. Films

“The fly then uses its proboscis to suck it up like a smoothie, which is how they consume your food.”

It’s safe to say, hundreds of social media users were left disgusted by the revelation.

“Oh boy why did I watch this,” one said.

Another added: “Remember guys- flies are on poop all day. And they are throwing it up on your food and particles from their feet are also fecal matter. Reasons why I don’t eat my food after a fly has been on it.”

“I’m surprised many people didn’t know that is how fly eat,” one said.

Another commented: “How can I unwatch this clip?”

One joked: “This is why they rub their hands the way they do these mfs know the evils they’re about to commit.”

“I already had a fear of them laying eggs anywhere and everywhere but this … This is sick,” another said.

Dr Cameron Webb wrote a piece for the University of Sydney confirming this is exactly how flies eat.

They then suck it up like a smoothie. Picture: Twitter/Zack D. Films

He tackled the question of whether people should brush flies off their food or toss it out.

“Flies that land out of sight and wander about for a few minutes vomiting and pooping on your food or food preparation area are more of a concern. The more time passes, the greater the chance of pathogens left behind by the flies growing and multiplying on our food. That’s when health risks increase,” Dr Webber wrote.

He also said the risk is also greater away from the city because of the amount of flies and their likelihood to come into contact with a dead animal or animal waste.

“Ensure your food is covered while preparing, cooking and serving outdoors and don’t leave ‘leftovers’ sitting about outside for the flies. There are plenty of other reasons food safety is important over the summer, not just to stop flies touching down,” he said.