What is cheese flies?

Cheese flies, also known as cheese skippers, are small flies that belong to the family Piophilidae. They are common pests that can infest dairy and meat products, including cheese, eggs, and ham. Cheese flies are known for their ability to lay their eggs in these products, thereby contaminating them.

The adult cheese fly is metallic gray and measures around 3-4 millimeters in length. They have a distinct characteristic of hopping or skipping movement on the surface of the cheese, hence their name, cheese skippers. The fly larvae, which develop from eggs laid by the adult cheese flies, are creamy-white and can measure up to 7 millimeters in length. These larvae feed on the cheese and other products and can cause significant damage.

To control cheese flies, it is important to maintain cleanliness and proper storage of food items. Cheese flies are attracted to warm and humid places, so it is essential to keep food items in cool and dry areas. Regularly inspecting food products for eggs or larvae is also recommended. If an infestation is suspected, immediate disposal of the affected products and thorough cleaning of the area is crucial to prevent further infestation.