Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is again on toes as the fruit fly infestation has created another nuisance in the city. As per PMC, these flies are multiplying way before the actual breeding period.
PMC workers are trying their best to stop the infestation from spreading by spraying chemicals and organising fumigation drives, across the city.
Dipika M, a resident, speaking with iamin said, “One cannot sit in the open and eat because of these flies. They have swarmed every corner of the city.” Swargate residents have reported maximum complaints against these flies with the civic body, this year. Apart from Swargate, Sinhagad Road, Peth areas, Shivaji Nagar and Kothrud are other localities swarmed by fruit flies.
Speaking with iamin, ST Pardeshi, health officer, PMC said, “These flies have swarmed the city earlier than the usual because of the sudden rains and fluctuating weather conditions. Moreover, accumulation of organic waste is another reason as they get a breeding ground in it. With a life cycle of a week to 10 days, fruits flies breed the most in decaying sugar filled objects such as fruits and flowers especially during the months of May and June,” explained.
To tackle the situation, PMC has started spraying chemicals. However, these flies cause no health hazard to human beings.
Last year, these flies had caused a loss of over Rs 100 crores to mango dealers of the country after the fruits were found infected by flies. Early return of fruit flies has struck a terror among mango dealers in Pune, this year. "We have asked dealers to get the fruits sprayed,” said ND Ghule, head, Agriculture Produce Market Committee, Pune.
Here is how you can get rid of fruit flies:
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Store fruits in closed containers
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Keep your home and surroundings clean
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Get your locality fumigated
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