Technically untrue . . .
For fruit fies, anyway. They really go for apple vinager. Put a bit in a small jar, with a funnel on top to confuse any escapes, place it with the bananas, and watch it fill up. their reaction to the aroma is an almost immediate attractor. Depending upon the infestation, ridding yourself of fruit flies could be a matter of hours, or just a few days.
As for attitudes, though, you're quite right.
For bowser, pandering in the streets and sleeping under bridges are both quite legal, as are parades and demonstrations. All you need is a community permit.