I know that’s a bit of a “horror movie” moment for your breakfast, but don’t panic! What you’re seeing are most likely the larvae of the Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD), a type of fruit fly.

Here is the lowdown on your new little roommates and why they decided to crash your snack.

What are they?

Unlike common fruit flies that only lay eggs on overripe or rotting fruit, the Spotted Wing Drosophila uses a saw-like organ to lay eggs inside fresh, ripening fruit while it’s still on the vine.

• The “Wrigglers”: They are tiny, translucent white maggots.
• The Salt Water Trick: Soaking the berries in a solution of salt and water irritates the larvae, causing them to crawl out of the fruit to find oxygen.

Are they dangerous?

The short answer: No.

While the “yuck factor” is high, they are not known to carry diseases that affect humans.

• Accidental Ingestion: If you’ve eaten strawberries from the store or a farm before without soaking them, you have almost certainly eaten these larvae without realizing it.
• Nutrient Boost: Extra protein? (Okay, maybe not the kind you wanted, but it’s harmless).

Should you eat the berries?

That is entirely up to your comfort level!