Do Fruit Flies Bite?

If you love to keep a lovely bowl of fruit out for your family like I do, it is likely that at some point you have had to deal with fruit flies. These little pests are very annoying, and can be a little embarrassing if you have visitors, but are they something to worry about? Are they dangerous, can they bite or even spread disease? Let’s find out!

  1. If you are in a rush, click here to check out the article summary
  2. First things first, is it possible for fruit flies to bite your skin?
  3. If they cannot bite, does this mean that they are harmless?
  4. Learn about three steps that will help you with an infestation.
  5. What you can do if you have red blotches from these pests.

Can fruit flies really bite your skin?

The good news is that the answer is no, fruit flies cannot bite you or your family, and they don’t eat blood. Based on my research on their physical characteristics, they don’t have teeth or anything that could pierce your skin. In order to consume their regular meals of fruit, vegetables and other decomposing matter, they push out a catabolic fluid that helps break down their food, and then use their mouthpiece to suck it up.

But I have evidence? I have had a number of people in the comments section mention that are adamant that a fruit fly has bitten them in the past. If that sounds like your situation, it is likely that you were bitten by another insect that might have looked like fruit fly. For example, certain species of gnats and other tiny flies are quite capable of giving you a little sting if they think you might taste good. Either way, rest assured that those fruit flies buzzing around your kitchen are not going to leave any bite marks on you.

Does this mean that fruit flies are harmless?

Although they cannot bite, that doesn’t mean that you should just ignore them in your home (even if you are capable, I cannot rest if they are always flying around my head). Since fruit flies spend their says feeding on various decaying matter, which unfortunately sometimes includes stuff found in drains, in the garbage and even old pet food, this means that they often carry around bacteria that can make you sick. Coupled with the fact that they might move to your fruit bowl after wallowing in that filth, you definitely want to get rid of them as soon as possible.

There is another concern, and that revolves around their reproductive cycle. If you are a busy person and just can’t seem to find time to sort these little critters out (trust me I know, life can get hectic sometimes), they can start multiplying at a scary rate, especially if they have an abundant supply of food nearby. So while the odd fruit fly or two buzzing around my kitchen doesn’t bother me too much, I always take action to stop them in their tracks as soon as possible.

Reality Check: I absolutely hate it when writers sensationalize their content, so I want to make something quite clear. For the vast majority of people, fruit flies pose no danger to humans. Although it is possible that they can carry dangerous bacteria, unless you have small children, or perhaps have a compromised immune system, please don’t stress about fruit flies. I am not suggesting that you just ignore them though, as they can be very annoying. Let’s look at what you can do about bites and an infestation.

Three steps that will help with an infestation

In addition to making yourself a fruit fly trap, there are several things that you can do to eliminate the reason why they are in your home in the first place, namely to find and consume food. The goal of this section is to keep my recommendations compact, as I already have a dedicated article that covers getting rid of them. In no particular order, this is what you can do:

Step 1: Clean your kitchen – This is intentionally rather broad, but to be perfectly honest, you should already be taking out your garbage, cleaning your surfaces, mopping the floors and cleaning up any spilled food or drinks. If your kitchen is a bit dirty from, um, lets just say a little laziness, clean up your act as this is probably the reason why you cannot seem to get rid of the fruit flies in the first place.

Step 2: Seal up your bins – I recommend that you get yourself a bin that has a closable lid. It doesn’t need to be anything fancy, just tight enough so that fruit flies cannot get themselves inside and feast on your leftovers. To make it even harder, you can put that bin inside of an empty cupboard in your kitchen (if you have a spare one). Lastly, don’t forget about your trash bins outside, they should also be tightly closed and ideally a little distance from your house.

Step 3: Clear your drains – Don’t worry, you don’t need to call in a professional for this step (unless they are really clogged). To get rid of lurking insects and most bacteria, simply pour about 33oz of vinegar down each drain in your home. Don’t skip your outside drains, as they will also benefit from this treatment. A number of my readers have asked about using bleach, and although it does work, I don’t recommend it due to things like septic tanks and potential damage to your plumbing.

What if you have red “bite” marks from fruit flies?

Picture of fruit flies nibbling on a fruitBefore you throw your hands up and start getting aggressive in the comments section, I am aware that it is quite possible for them to leave reddish blemishes on your skin, but these are not bites! As mentioned already, these pests usually carry some sort of bacteria with them, and if you have especially sensitive skin, this is the reason why you might suddenly be itchy and sport little marks where they landed. What can you do?

Wash the affected area: No need to overthink this, just grab yourself some soap and wash red marks that were left behind by these little pests. Please don’t scrub the area, as this can make your skin raw, just rub it gently with a clean cloth.

Apply a little vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is known for its ability to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria. Additionally, it will provide almost instantaneous relief to your itchiness. You can also try a lotion that contains calamine, as I have personally found it to be very effective. You can repeat this treatment for 2-3 days (if needed).

PRO TIP: If the swelling or itchiness does not subside, please seek medical attention. It is possible that you were bitten by another insect, and due to the fruit flies in your home, incorrectly thought that it was from them. As a general rule of thumb, never ignore anything that is causing lingering problems and try your best not to scratch the affected area.

Final words and a quick summary

Fruit flies do not bite: Even if they wanted to, these little insects could not bite you. Their mouth is designed for sucking, not piercing through your skin, and it definitely cannot get through your clothing. If you have red marks on your skin, it is possible that you are sensitive to their saliva, the bacteria they were carrying, or a completely different pest has bitten you.

Solution for red marks: To help soothe your itchy skin, I recommend that clean the affected area and then apply a little ACV (Apple cider vinegar). This should work almost instantly, but feel free to reapply it every couple hours for 2-3 days. If the itchiness and inflammation do not subside after each application, please seek the help of a medical professional.

Tips for an infestation: Although fruit flies are usually harmless, that doesn’t mean that they are not annoying and since they hang around decomposing matter, have the chance of carrying a little bacteria. I have an article that covers this in detail, but cleaning your kitchen, sealing your bins and clearing your drains will provide you with some immediate relief.

That about wraps this topic up, thanks for reading it to the end! I also have written a guide on where these pests come from, so check that out if you are curious. I hope you have found this article useful, feel free to ask me questions in the comment section below. ๐Ÿ™‚

Comments

  1. Avatar Anita says:

    I have these bite marks on my arms. Itโ€™s only on my right arm. I donโ€™t know if itโ€™s bed bugs or a spider bite. One of my co workers said itโ€™s spider bites.

    • Natasha Anderson Natasha Anderson says:

      Hi Anita! Sorry to hear that, I recommend checking for bed bugs asap as that would be bad news, let me know if you need help. I have a category called “bed bugs” (on this website) that will help you get started.

  2. Avatar Linda says:

    Hi Natasha, I am not in my house, but dog sitting at someone elseโ€™s house and there area ton of fruit flys driving me crazy. They even go into the bedroom at night. Is there a DIY solution I can use to take care of them?
    Thank you, Linda.

    • Natasha Anderson Natasha Anderson says:

      Hi Linda! Yes, a fruit fly trap will help you in your situation. I have an article on the subject so instead of writing out the steps here, please go and check it out. Simply click on “fleas” (in the menu) and you will find it in the list. Hope this helps!

  3. Avatar Mike Din says:

    Hi Natasha, thank you for your excellent information and for your answering questions. We were away from our house on a trip and when we returned 10 days later we found a large number of flies in the kitchen. Many were on the window, I guess trying to get out. We used a fly swatter to get a lot of them. We wanted to know what kind of fly they are – they are all the same – black body, about a half inch long but what was distinctive was they all had a red bottom. I tried Google but couldn’t find anything about a fly with a red bottom. What kind of fly is this? Do they bite people? If there is a way to send you a picture, let me know and I will send a topside and bottom side picture. Again thank you.

    • Natasha Anderson Natasha Anderson says:

      Hi Mike, you can send me a picture and I will try help you. Just use the contact form and I will respond via email.

  4. Avatar Jenny says:

    I have fruit flies all over. I thought I got rid of the with a bug fogger a week ago and pouring bleach down drains but there are more now and when I try to sleep at night I hear them buzzing near my ears and face and I feel like they are crawling into my ears, my throat feels clogged too and I am scared they have found a way into my system through my ears, mouth and nose whilst I sleep as they always dive towards my eyes, nose and ears. I feel so depressed from them now I don’t want to be here anymore, I am already suffering from other severe illnesses and I am exhausted and can’t get rid of them all. It’s making my life a misery, I’ve thought about sleeping in my car even just so I can sleep well for a night without having 20+ fruit flies launch at me every 5 minutes. I’m in tears.

    • Natasha Anderson Natasha Anderson says:

      Hi Jenny, so sorry to hear about your situation. I think it has reached a point where you need some professional help. Contact a local company, explain the situation and see if they can provide some assistance. That is my suggestion, as things like a fruit fly trap are not for infestations this large.

  5. Avatar faezeh says:

    Please someone let me know what can i do with fruit fly. five years ago mistakenly i bought one packet soil for my indoor plants. How unfortunate i was that it was include fruit fly. After i understood my home is infested, it was late. I and my family trapped by this infestation. They have chosen to eat us rather fruits and any other things. They eggs are everywhere. Inside all our clothing and all the time bithing us. PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPlllllllllllllllllleeeaasssse tell me what to do. I want to suicide. i do not know what to do dear friends. please help me and direct me

    • Natasha Anderson Natasha Anderson says:

      Hi Faezeh, please don’t do anything rash, this can easily be handled by a local exterminator or with some seriously cleaning with detergents. Since it is causing you so much distress, maybe go with an exterminator.

  6. Avatar Jenni says:

    I am absolutely sure they are doing something to me lol. They actually sit on me and attack me. Im using all the “antibites” sprays on my skin… and trying to see where the heck they come from ???since i have zero fruits in the house. Looked everywhere…cleaned everything ..set up fly traps all over my apartment..looks like a zombie infestation. My life now ..if i have to put a movie name on it, will be ” REVENGE OF THE FRUIT FLY” :)) I’m trying to make fun of the situation but it’s ACTUALLY preeety bad! Good luck to everyone that is having this kind of “terror”

    • Natasha Anderson Natasha Anderson says:

      Hi Jenni! Goodness, they must really like you hehe (in this case, that is a bad thing though lol). Sorry that you have to deal with this! Maybe check out my other fruit fly articles, there are a few more things you can try.

  7. Avatar Reena says:

    I was in the backyard and I see many fruit flys over my crops. Is red dots from the fruit flys? And as I sit on the backyard bench…they fly over me and they are in my hair. I had taken a hot shower, like you say, and I get red dots. They do not bite. But I feel like I had been bitten. Will I be just alright? I won’t get sick?

    • Natasha Anderson Natasha Anderson says:

      Hi Reena! Could very well be! You shouldn’t get sick but try get rid of them asap.

  8. Avatar CA says:

    I started to work at a deli-convenience store about a month and a half ago. After the first week I started feeling these red bumps all along the base of my hairline on my neck. Didn’t think anything of it – Now mind you we are INFESTED( I’m talking thousands) of fruit flies. Well started getting very sick went to my dr who said it was eczema which I’m 46years old and Never had eczema in my entire life. Then a/i a week I started getting major diarreah and now 3 weeks in I’ve lost about 10pounds and I’m very thin to begin with. I can’t eat-I’m running fevers for about 4 -5.days now and the cramping in my abdomen sometimes is quite unbearable. I’m starting to get lightheaded. I am very prone to catching anything because my immune system is compromised. Could this all be because of fruit flies ? As I said the store I work at is extremely infested. Thank you for listening. Its funny cause I’m actually on my way to hospital that’s how horrible my body feels. Please somebody give me an answer. I feel like I’m going out of my mind bcause even my own Dr doesn’t think these pests have anything to do with these pests at work !!!! Very frustrated.

    • Natasha Anderson Natasha Anderson says:

      Hi CA! Honestly, I don’t think that fruit flies could be causing those symptoms, unless they are spreading bacteria? Did the hospital mention anything? Sorry this reply is a little late, I want to help you, let me know please!

  9. Avatar Sandra says:

    Sorry Natasha but definitely not an allergy as I NEVER eat the soft fruits or tomatoes. We do see lots of tiny flies flitting around my head however so guess will have to accept it as a summer event!!!

    • Natasha Anderson Natasha Anderson says:

      Hi Sandra! Strange, I am sorry that I cannot help you further but if you figure out this mystery, please let me know!

  10. Avatar Mrs Sandra busbridge says:

    Hi Natasha please can you help me. I have always been a magnet for things that bite but Autan keeps most things at bay. However every summer when soft fruits in season and in the house and tomatoes are picked from the greenhouse and brought indoors etc my head becomes a mass of highly itchy bumps and lumps – they feel like bites but you imply this is not down to the tiny tiny myriad of flies around the fruits so I am baffled. It’s only ever my head that is affected so could these little flies be getting caught in my hair. My family have checked for nits – I have 9 grandchildren!!! But zero sign. Every summer my head is the same and it’s ALWAYS. Soft fruit time Always during the evening and night. Any advice would be read avidly. Thank you.

    • Natasha Anderson Natasha Anderson says:

      Hi Sandra! Thanks for your comment! Honestly, it sounds like food allergies. It is unlikely that this is being caused by insects, especially based on your description. I am not saying it is impossible, but explore this possibility and let me know.

  11. Avatar Rsheeda says:

    Thanks for the article. It did help a little bit. However, I still have a question… actually this is pretty odd, but whenever I’m in the kitchen or the bathroom, these pesky fruit flies bug me to NO end! They literally circle me and fly around my head. I really don’t know why, but it’s creepy. Is it because of a shampoo or conditioner that I use or is it just a coincidence. And also, how do fruit flies end up in your house??? Do they just appear out of nowhere because of your fruit or do they come from outside? Anyways, I have about 6 fruit flies in my bathroom and it’s SUPER ANNOYING!!! Please help me out.

    • Natasha Anderson Natasha Anderson says:

      Hi Rsheeda! Pleasure! It is possible yeah but chances are, you have something rotten that they are feeding off, perhaps in your kitchen or outside your home. Check out my other fruit fly articles, they will shed some light on those other questions ๐Ÿ™‚

  12. Avatar Cynthia says:

    Natasha, thank you. The information was very helpful.

    • Natasha Anderson Natasha Anderson says:

      Hi Cynthia! I am glad to hear it, I always enjoy helping people! Please share this post on Facebook if you want to help me reach more people ๐Ÿ™‚

  13. Avatar Rachael says:

    Hi, i am having a fruit fly problem because i left some salsa in my room, i have got ridden of all the food trash and dishes in my room and am now getting something that feels like a bite but nothing there, do you have any ideas what could be going on?

    • Natasha Anderson Natasha Anderson says:

      Hi Rachael, might just be a little skin irritation, won’t be a bite (unless it was from another insect). Have all the fruit flies disappeared now?

  14. Avatar Grace says:

    I’m getting these allergic bumps all over my body, including parts of my skin that aren’t exposed during the day while I’m in the area with fruit flies. They’re on my back, stomach, chest. What do you think this is? Is it from touching one part of my skin, I’m spreading it to other parts of my body? They are really itching (I’m certain they’re not bed bugs). Is there over the counter cream or do I need to go to a doctor? Thanks in advance.

    • Natasha Anderson Natasha Anderson says:

      Hi Grace, yes it could be the bacteria from the fruit flies. I think your local pharmacy will be able to provide the cream, no need for a doctor.

  15. Avatar eliza says:

    Yeast traps work well too…alot of people have dry yeast packets laying around and it’s a good alternative to vinegar. It actually works for alot of different bugs. Fruit flies are my worst enemy. The minute one is in the house, I get twitchy and itchy for the rest of the day…and yes, I feel stings too. I always swore they were biting me but I finally believe the experts who say they don’t. I have intense histamine reactions to alot of things, so I’ve finally accepted that’s what it is. The only thing that helps is allergy medicine which of course puts me to sleep. Late august makes me itch just thinking about it. They are everywhere, especially now with home composting. Trying to do a good thing by not putting food scraps in the garbage, but the consequence is bugs ๐Ÿ™

    • Natasha Anderson Natasha Anderson says:

      Hi Eliza! Thanks for the suggestion and your comment ๐Ÿ™‚

  16. Avatar Shiva sharma says:

    I squished one I found biting me and have a pic of it in a tissue and there is blood. I can’t figure out a way to paste it on here. If. Please send me an email that i. Can send the pic to. I am totally freaking out these things are biting me and now I have proof

    • Natasha Anderson Natasha Anderson says:

      Hi Shiva! Please click the “contact” tab in the menu of this website and drop me an email. I will respond to it and then you can attach it to that one.

  17. Avatar Brenna says:

    Do these fruit fly reactions itch like a regular bug bite would?

    • Natasha Anderson Natasha Anderson says:

      Hi Brenda! It can have the same itchiness but bed bugs will usually leave a red bite mark.

  18. Avatar Sue stanley says:

    I sat under an olive tree one month ago and had 20 areas on my head and arms that are still itching madly. They came up in small blisters or vesicles. They now itch incessantly. Any ideas on how to treat Natasha ?

    • Natasha Anderson Natasha Anderson says:

      Hi Sue! Try washing the area with warm water first, then maybe go and get some cream for it.

  19. Avatar Calvin Miller says:

    Hey, I work in an office building in NYC. I know I’m allergic to fruit flies. I have to do the garbage everyday they are a ton of them in each dumpster. I have been getting rashes on my feet now. My question to you is it possible for the rash to spread to other parts of my body if they land on my arms etc.?

    • Natasha Anderson Natasha Anderson says:

      Hi Calvin! Yes it’s possible. I suggest going to see a doctor for some anti-allergy cream.

  20. Avatar Stanley says:

    I had a problem about a year ago where me and my wife got really upset from the fruit flies that starting biting us. We just had a baby and we were very vigilant about any insects biting our infant baby. Then accidentally we noticed what this problem with BITING really was. The fruit flies in our house were of two different kinds or species like Linda just mentioned in a post above. We had a mixture of FAT BROWN ones and SKINNY GREY ones living side by side. You can see the difference with a naked eye if you kill one and then look at it closely. The fat brown ones are typical fruit flies that don’t seem to bite. The skinny grey ones are those fungus gnats and if you can find their image on the web zoomed in you will clearly see that this looks more like a TINY MOSQUITO then a fly. These things really bite and are very annoying. They lived in the soil of all my potted plants and I had to get rid of that soil as I couldn’t kill them off or catch them all as they reproduce too quickly. Check your unused soil bag that you usually keep somewhere in the closet as well.

    • Natasha Anderson Natasha Anderson says:

      Hi Stanley! Thanks for the heads up, the community (and myself) appreciate it!

  21. Avatar Linda Giamarino says:

    This is one of the most concise and informative articles I have come across on the topic of fruit flies, or insects in general. I believe we have fruit flies, and your article was the only one that dealt with the issue of the hows and whys of the red marks that they leave behind. I managed to catch some and can send you a picture. My question pertains to the issue of what is the difference, or is there, between fruit flies and fungus gnats? The little pesky creatures we have flying around look and behave like fruit flies, but a contractor mentioned to us that because we have a leaky roof, that our insect issue could be fungus gnats. Could you explain the difference between them? And I am definitely experiencing those little red bumps. Do both insects cause them?
    Thank you so very much,
    Linda

    • Natasha Anderson Natasha Anderson says:

      Hey Linda! Thanks for your kind words. They are not the same insect but you can usually use the same removal techniques ๐Ÿ™‚ If I recall, the latter are much more darker in appearance. Send me a pic and I will have a look. Yes they can, your best bet is to get rid of them using tips from my fruit fly articles.

  22. Avatar Virginia says:

    whoah this blog is fantastic i like studying your articles.
    Stay up the good work! You know, many individuals are looking around for this info, you can help them greatly.

    • Natasha Anderson Natasha Anderson says:

      Hi Virginia! Thanks, glad you like it. Visit again soon!

  23. Avatar Lee says:

    Thank you so much!
    For two days I have been covered with itching spots.
    I had been so drilled with the concept that fruit flies don’t bite that I was wondering if I had a flea or bedbug invasion.
    What a relief!
    The rubbish in the freezer should do the trick! Fortunately they have a short life span.

    • Natasha Anderson Natasha Anderson says:

      Hi Lee, its a pleasure ๐Ÿ™‚

  24. Avatar David says:

    Can fruit flies poop?

    • Natasha Anderson Natasha Anderson says:

      Hi David! Yes.

  25. Avatar christina says:

    I have a allergic reaction to the bacteria fruit flys carry on their body but except reds things on my skin my skin crawls and feel like im being bite and my face swells up ๐Ÿ™

    • Natasha Anderson Natasha Anderson says:

      Hi Christina! Your best bet would be to kill them off so you don’t have the problem in the first place. Read my other fruit fly articles to help you with that.

  26. Avatar Carrie taylor says:

    If fruit flies do not bite then why do I see blood when I kill them

    • Avatar Kelly says:

      I came to this site to bring this up. I have killed several full of red that looks like the blood I see in mosquitos when I smash them right after they bite me. Please give us a answer

      • Natasha Anderson Natasha Anderson says:

        Hey Kelly and Carrie. The redness you see is either from the pigment in their eyes or leftovers from their last meal (e.g. fermented juice, etc.). They definitely do not bite or suck our blood. Thanks for your questions ๐Ÿ™‚

  27. Avatar Philippe says:

    An excellent article and very informative. You have put our mind at ease now that we know the truth about fruit flies and what we can do. A huge relief. Thanks fr your expertise.

    • Natasha Anderson Natasha Anderson says:

      Hey Philippe! Thanks for your kind words, I am glad that I could help ๐Ÿ™‚

  28. Avatar Malia says:

    Hi, thank you so much for all of this great info! There is almost nothing out there about this. I have a 9 month old baby who has a bunch of bug bites on her legs and a few on her arms. They start off with 3-4 and multiply over a few days. They start off looking like regular bites and end up in the shape of a C. Not all of them turn into a C shape. We went to the dermatologist and had it byopsied. It turned out to be bug bites. The only bugs I have seen in my house are fruit flys, ants and the occasional spider. I thought Mosquitos or maybe bed bugs but after further investigation I found no evidence of bed bugs. Another important thing is that she doesn’t seem bothered by them. I hope you can shed some light on these mystery bites. Thank you!

    • Natasha Anderson Natasha Anderson says:

      Hey Malia! I am not to sure about the C shape but I recommend treating your living areas for mites. I had a reader a couple weeks ago that knew it definitely was not bed bugs or fleas (please make sure of this) and it ended up being mites so check that possibility out. I will be writing a few guides on mites in the near future, will let you know when they are up. ๐Ÿ™‚

  29. Avatar Eva E. says:

    Where do fruit flies come from? How do they come out of nowhere & then when you dispose of whatever they are around for they disappear with no dead fruit fly evidence. Can you explain why they are like this? Also, I have been getting those red dots recently exactly from my feet to knees, occasionally one or two on my arms, what’s the difference from flea bites & fruit fly bacteria marks. You mentioned bed bugs & that freaked me out, do they bite leaving marks exactly like that as well?

    I do inspect my dog everyday & found one flea only a few different times, but I caught them & flushed them & put frontline on him. The last two weeks he hasn’t had anymore thank god. I am interested in the difference of the bites/markings of fruit flies, fleas & bed bugs. I do not leave food out in my trash (I put them in bags & in the fridge until I go to the dumpster, but it should be the freezer?). Your advice is appreciated & I found this website very informative & right to the point.

    • Natasha Anderson Natasha Anderson says:

      Hey Eva! Based on my experience, I also find it strange that they just “appear” but there is a reasonable explanation for this behavior. While I can go into detail here, please first check out my article entitled “Where do fruit flies come from” (linked in this guide) as it will outline the entire process and let me know if you need any further assistance ๐Ÿ™‚ Bed bug bites are usually close to each other while flea bites are a bit more sporadic. I have actually written a guide on bed bug bites and flea bites so please check them out when you get a chance. If you can send me an image of the bites I will be happy to try and assist you further! Cheers!

  30. Avatar Karen says:

    Natasha: My daughter lives in apartment complex and her apartment as well as many others are infested with fruit flys. Managment is telling the tenants there is nothing that they can do about it. They have been somewhat proactive about moving trash cans away from buildings and pouring bleach down the drains, but that is about it. Any suggestions since she may be keeping her apartment clean, but others may not.

    • Natasha Anderson Natasha Anderson says:

      Hi Karen! My recommendation is to purchase a pretty netting for the windows and to use an enzyme based drain cleaner to clear up any sludge that my be attracting either drain flies or fruit flies. Another idea is to place offcuts of food, etc. into plastic bags before throwing them into the kitchen bin. This makes sure any potential chance of decay doesn’t cause any fruit fly infestations. Hope that helps ๐Ÿ™‚

  31. Avatar Tiffany Earnest says:

    Thank you for this! I’ve been tormented with these bumps for 2 weeks now and in my case they itch at first. Thought fleas but the pets aren’t itching and I hadn’t seen any, thought bed bugs but the timing, appearance and locations weren’t lining up. Still did a deep clean of the house, washed all fabrics, replaced the allergy cover on the bed, etc. Kept getting bumps but never actually SAW a single insect on me. Finally narrowed down my whereabouts with exposure time when the bumps would appear and started to suspect something in my car. Tonight I went out and found an odd bug on the dashboard. Took a photo and headed to Google. Identified the bug as a large fruit fly (didn’t know they could get that big!) and then started researching whether they bite, which led me here. I’m just relieved to know I’m not crazy! I’ve always been very sensitive to insect bites (my friends say I’m like walking insect repellent for them, I keep the bugs busy!) and I’m so relieved to find what I suspect is the problem. The exposed areas of my legs (ankles to knees) look exactly like the photo with this article. Thanks again!

    • Natasha Anderson Natasha Anderson says:

      Hey Tiffany! I also have a friend that seems to attract bugs wherever he goes, we joke that he finds the insects and I get rid of them lol. Anyways, I will drop you a mail a little later because I would like to see that picture if you still have it available because fruit flies don’t bite. It may be that you are having an allergic reaction to their bacteria but keep in mind that there wouldn’t be any bite marks then. Keep me updated ๐Ÿ™‚

  32. Avatar ProudMommy says:

    Hi Natasha, My daughter got a bunch of marks that looked JUST LIKE the above picture. Took her to the Doc Time #1, was told Viral. Doc time #2, was told Folliculitis, given antibiotic cream and anti-biotics… no help.. Doc#3, Alas, Big bites (or the actual contact rash from them). The earliest bumps are now about 2 weeks old, and are finally starting to heal.. They are now flesh colored and the bump is almost flush with her arm, but she has some that are on her face now.. and we just set up the vinegar traps yesterday. My dauighter doesn’t seem to be itching like crazy *she’s 4, but only a litle. If you ask her if they itch she says no. I just wanted to know if you think this is normal? The Doc just said bug bites… said it didn’t look lile “bed” bug bites, but we have had fruit flies in our house.. and thats’ what made me look this up. I just wasn’t sure how long I should wait for ehr current spots to heal before panicing and takling her back to the doc for trip#4! Thanks for any opinion you can give

    • Natasha Anderson Natasha Anderson says:

      Hey! Sorry for the late response, somehow your comment slipped past me and I didn’t mark it for follow up. I am sorry to hear about your daughter. I have found that some people get allergic reactions to fruit flies bacteria, not because of any bites. From what it sounds like, it is probably bed bugs which I highly recommend investigating immediately, especially considering her age. Its nothing to panic about, just follow the steps outlined in my bed bug removal articles on this blog – If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me!

  33. Avatar Ilovemybooduh says:

    Thank god Iย thought It was Fleas Id Rather it be flies then fleasย  They were biting my baby and I.

    • Natasha Anderson Natasha Anderson says:

      Hey! I am glad you found the article useful. If you like, you can send me a picture of the bugs that are biting you two and I will tell you exactly what they are ๐Ÿ™‚

  34. Avatar laura says:

    I have simular red marks but they itch are they fruit flies? does anyone have the same problem they itch like crazy

    • Natasha Anderson Natasha Anderson says:

      Hey Laura. Its possible that it may be from another insect, especially if you do not have a fruit fly problem. Did you wake up in the morning with the marks? It may be caused by bed bugs, they often leave a rather itchy bite mark, depending on the sensitivity of the skin. Also, how many bite marks do you have? If its only one or two, perhaps its just mosquito bites? Let me know ๐Ÿ™‚

  35. Avatar Lomeems says:

    Thank you so much! I had the exact same “bite” marks and had no idea where they came from. This info was very helpful.

    • Natasha Anderson Natasha Anderson says:

      ย Good stuff, its quite a relief hey, I was quite stressed the first time I saw them first as well!

  36. Avatar Jeff Chaplin says:

    While I was washing the dishes I noticed that a fruit fly had landed on me and I suddenly had a scary feeling that they could bite me. Even though I didn’t feel a bite, I did some research and your info clarified it for me ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Natasha Anderson Natasha Anderson says:

      Hey Jeff, yeah there is nothing really to worry about. Just be aware though that they can carry bacteria which can sometimes result in red dots or even a mild allergic reaction but they definitely cant actually bite you ๐Ÿ™‚

  37. Avatar Nowelowe w kinach says:

    I really appreciate the work that you are doing here Natasha, your instructions are clear and easy to follow.. Keep putting up!

    • Natasha Anderson Natasha Anderson says:

      Pleasure Nowelowe, I plan to write about 10 articles a month (time permitting) so stay tuned for more bug removal goodness!

  38. Avatar Elliander Eldridge says:

    Then why do I feel a sting when one lands on me? It feels really sharp, but there is never a bite mark, nor do I get those rashes. Isn’t it possible that the some people may have a reaction to the catabolic fluid itself? If it is a digestive enzyme capable of breaking down meat, what kind of effect can it have on our bodies?

    • Natasha Anderson Natasha Anderson says:

      Hey Elliander,
      Thanks for your comment. Yes, that is very possible as some peoples skin is extremely sensitive to those sort of things. The pain isnt usually sharp though, are you 100% sure that it was a fruit fly that landed on you? Although some have a reaction to it, its not dangerous to you. Of course, you should address your fruit fly problem as soon as possible because they can spread bacteria but don’t worry that you have had minimal contact with them.
      Hope that helps.
      Natasha

      • Avatar Tasha says:

        I have also felt this sting and later the little red bump appears. I’m positive at this point it is the fruit flies. Thanks for the information it was very helpful.

        • Natasha Anderson Natasha Anderson says:

          Its a pleasure Tasha, glad that you have enjoyed my content ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Avatar beula says:

      I still think they bite. My welts look just like welt I get from mosquitoes or other insect bites and yes I am sure fruit flies bite . When no other insect is around and all I see r the pesty fruit flies and those welts starts appearing .. I know it’s them . So annoying. It likes anything sweet.. so if you wash with scented shampoo and soap you’ll be under attack.

      • Natasha Anderson Natasha Anderson says:

        Hi Beula! Your skin is probably having an allergic reaction, it’s not a bite mark I promise.

        • Avatar Rebe says:

          What about phorid flies? The ones I get when the trash is bad look just like phorid flies and are tiny. I’ll get spots just like in the picture. And when the garbage finally goes out, a couple days later after the flies disappear, the spots stop showing up. It’s sharp enough of a ‘bite’ that it’s woke me from a dead sleep before and is followed by a wicked itch.

        • Natasha Anderson Natasha Anderson says:

          Hi Rebe, that can be caused by skin sensitivity but even though you have had adverse reactions, it doesn’t mean that you were physically bitten (unless it was another insect of course).

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