Fruit Flies

What do fruit flies look like?

Fruit flies are a small species of fly in which the adults only grow to be about 1/8th of an inch in length.  Fruit flies are commonly known for their red eyes, but some can have brownish or black colored eyes, their wings are translucent.  Their bodies are usually black on top and gray on the underside, but to the human eye, they appear to be tan.  Fruit fly larvae are about 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch long, they are worm-like in appearance and are whitish in color except for the two dark colored mouth hooks.

 What attracts fruit flies?

Fruit flies build their numbers up all spring and summer until they reach their peak during the fall harvest season.  Fruit flies feed on and lay their eggs on ripe, decaying or fermenting food. They are attracted to garbage, compost piles, and garden areas.  They can become problematic inside of homes and businesses when foods (fruits, vegetables, improperly sealed jars and cans) already infested with fruit flies or eggs are introduced. 

 Are fruit flies dangerous?

Yes, fruit flies are dangerous especially in kitchens, pantries and other areas where food is stored or prepared.  Small fruit flies pick up the bacteria on their body and legs as they travel, breed, and feed making them capable of spreading a wide variety of pathogens and bacteria that can make people very ill.  

 Fruit fly control

To get rid of fruit flies in homes or commercial facilities, it is best to contact a pest control company.  Fruit fly traps may catch these pests but they do not address the source of the infestation.  Professional fruit fly control from Pine State Pest Solution includes a thorough inspection, identification of the pest (accurate identification is a must in order to treat correctly), and development of a customized treatment plan.  For commercial facilities, treatment may include drain bio-remediation.

 Fruit fly prevention tips

 Want to avoid fruit flies altogether?  We recommend the following prevention tips:

  • Regularly remove trash and place it outside in containers with tight fitting lids until trash pick-up day.

  • Routinely wash and disinfect trash receptacles.

  • Repair leaky or drippy fixtures and pipes located in your home or business.

  • Wash dishes after every meal, don’t leave them in the sink overnight. Ensure that drains are free of debris.

  • Make sure to inspect fruits and vegetables for signs of fruit flies before bringing them home from the grocery store or farmers market. 

  • Store fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator instead of out on counters.

  • Pick up fallen fruits or vegetables quickly from garden areas on your property.

 

Related Blogs

Do you think you have what it takes to kill bed bugs in your home? While a quick Google search will likely offer numerous home remedies and DIY solutions that seem doable, it’s very unlikely…

Read More >

Are you looking forward to the holidays? There’s so much to do – from decorating your home to making gingerbread houses with the kids, from baking sweet treats to share with coworkers, neighbors,…

Read More >

With all the calls we’re getting, it’s safe to say there’s a bed bug boom in progress in Central and Southern Maine. Naturally, that leads to a lot of Google searches about bed bugs and of…

Read More >