People have been left disturbed by a simulation shedding light on what exactly happens when a fly lands on your food.
Flies are usually seen as harmless pests that buzz around and often land on your tasty meal before you have a chance to take a bite.
You may have assumed that the insect takes a tiny nibble and then flies away to avoid being swatted but the reality is actually a lot more stomach-curdling according to a short clip shared by YouTuber Zack D. Films.
Watch the video below:The buzzy insects don't just land on your meal to annoy you, they're there to dine, and their method of eating is quite frankly nauseating.
As they can't just take a bite of the food due to their lack of teeth, they have to get creative so they begin by vomiting digestive enzyme-rich saliva onto solid food, transforming it into a soup.
They then use their mouths, which resemble a set of sponge pads and a straw, to suck in the liquid - yes, you read that right.
This disturbing revelation has sent shivers down the spine of many viewers on social media. One horrified user wrote in the comment section: "New fear unlocked: invisible fly vomit all over your food."
Another user remarked that they were "not mentally prepared to learn this," while a third commented: "That's why mom said 'Don't eat the food after [the] fly lands on it', now it's become clearer."
A commenter on Reddit was shaken by the simulation and cautioned people not to watch it, saying: "I want to let you all know since I have last seen this clip 3 months ago till now, my life has not been the same. I now hate flies and will never eat food that has been touched by a fly again. If somehow you have not seen this still, do not watch it!"
Meanwhile, one user was unfazed by the clip and wrote: "5 second rule applies. F*** it. I'm still eating it."
Adding to the gross factor, flies have tastebuds on their feet so not only do they vomit on your food, but they've tasted it before they even start their meal.
"This is all down to taste receptors (chemonsensilla) being located on their lower legs and feet," Western Exterminator explained.
And if that wasn't enough to make your skin crawl, given the opportunity, they'll lay eggs in your food, which could hatch into maggots in less than a day, per Ehrlich.
So, next time you see a fly aiming for your plate, remember what they do to your food and grab the fly swatter.
