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Fly Control for Commercial Premises
What are fruit flies?
Fruit flies, often also referred to as vinegar flies (Drosophila melanogaster), are small flying insects that are drawn to food, especially overripe fruit and fermenting liquids. These tiny pests can quickly become a big problem in homes, restaurants, and grocery stores. A fruit fly infestation can seem to appear overnight because these pests multiply fast.
Key characteristics
Fruit flies are tiny with tan bodies and red or brown eyes. Attracted to ripe or fermenting produce, they reproduce rapidly in warm, moist environments like kitchens and drains. Although they are small, they can quickly become a persistent nuisance.
Appearance
- One-eighth inches in length. Yellow-brown or mottled in color with bright red eyes.
- The abdomen hangs down in flight, which is slow.
- Tend to hover.
The life cycle of fruit flies
Fruit flies reproduce at an incredibly fast rate. Their entire life cycle, from egg to adult, takes eight to 10 days.
A female fruit fly lays hundreds of eggs in ripened fruit or other organic matter. The eggs hatch within 24 hours, and the tiny larvae begin feeding on food particles. After several days, the larvae form a pupal case and develop into adults.
A fully grown fruit fly emerges and is ready to mate within hours. Adult fruit flies typically live between two to nine weeks.
Seasonal behaviors of fruit flies
Fruit flies are more common in warm months, but they can survive indoors all year long. In summer and early fall, they are especially active due to the abundance of ripe fruits and vegetables. However, fruit flies in the drain and garbage can continue breeding even in colder seasons.
Habitat and diet of fruit flies
Fruit flies thrive in warm, damp places with access to food, especially fermenting fruits and organic waste.
Where do fruit flies live?
Fruit flies prefer warm, moist places with access to food. They are commonly found in kitchens, near fruit bowls, and in areas where food is stored. Garbage cans, compost bins, and recycling containers are also popular breeding sites.
Fruit flies can thrive in sinks and shower drains where organic material builds up, much like drain flies, which also prefer moist, organic-rich environments. They are sometimes found under appliances or near damp cloths and mop buckets. Areas with beer, soda, or juice spills can also attract fruit flies, providing them with a food source.
What do fruit flies eat?
Fruit flies enjoy sugars, fermenting food, and organic waste. They are especially attracted to overripe or rotting fruits and vegetables. Sugary liquids like soda, juice, and alcohol are also appealing. Additionally, they can feed on fermenting bread and grains. Organic waste found in drains and garbage cans provides more food. This helps fruit flies survive, even when fresh fruit is scarce.
Habits and behavior of fruit flies
Fruit flies are small but persistent pests that can be a big nuisance in homes and businesses. They reproduce rapidly, with a single female capable of laying up to 500 eggs at a time, typically on moist surfaces or decaying food. Their life cycle from egg to adult can be completed in as little as a week, allowing populations to grow quickly if not addressed.
Managing and preventing fruit fly infestations
If you have fruit flies in your home, taking action quickly is important.
Signs of an infestation
A fruit fly or vinegar fly infestation is usually easy to spot. You may see small flies hovering near fruit, drains, or trash cans. Sometimes, fruit flies lay eggs in fruit, vegetables, or sink drains, leading to the presence of tiny white larvae.
If you notice fruit flies swarming near alcohol bottles, beer taps, or compost bins, this is a strong sign of an infestation. A musty, fermenting smell near food waste may also indicate that fruit flies are present.
How do you get rid of fruit flies?
Getting rid of fruit flies requires a mix of cleaning, trapping, and professional fly control.
Start by removing their food sources—throw away overripe fruit, clean up spills, and store produce in the fridge. It’s also important to clean drains, as fruit flies in the drain can breed in leftover organic matter. Pouring boiling water or drain cleaner down the sink can help kill fruit flies and stop them from coming back.
Keeping your home clean is key. Take out the trash daily, wipe down counters, and keep surfaces dry to make your home less appealing to these pests.
If DIY methods aren’t working, fly control experts can help. Our expert team will inspect your home, identify breeding areas, and use highly effective treatments to remove fruit flies.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main cause of fruit flies?
Fruit flies and vinegar flies are attracted to fermenting food, sugary liquids, and damp areas. They often enter homes through open windows, doors, or infested produce.
What is the difference between a fruit fly and a vinegar fly?
While both types of flies are small and attracted to food, fruit flies tend to go after fresh or slightly overripe fruits. Vinegar flies are more attracted to decaying food, especially things like rotting fruit or vinegar.
Why are they called vinegar flies?
Vinegar flies get their name because they are attracted to vinegar and rotting organic materials like fermented fruit. They are commonly found around food waste in kitchens.
What is the fastest way to get rid of fruit flies?
To get rid of fruit flies quickly, remove food sources, clean drains, and use fruit fly traps. For severe infestations our fly control experts can help.
Are fruit flies harmful?
Fruit flies and vinegar flies do not bite, but they can carry bacteria from garbage and drains to food surfaces. Keeping them under control is important for cleanliness and sanitation.
How do you stop fruit flies in your house?
To prevent fruit flies in your home, store fruit in the fridge, clean up spills, and take out the trash regularly.
Where do fruit flies lay eggs in the house?
Fruit flies and vinegar flies lay eggs in overripe fruit, drains, garbage bins, and damp organic matter.
How long does a fruit fly infestation last?
Without action, a fruit fly infestation can persist indefinitely. These pests breed quickly. If we don't deal with their breeding sites, the problem can go on forever. Eliminating food sources and moisture is key to breaking the cycle and shortening the infestation.
Why do I have fruit flies but no fruit?
Even if you have no fruit, fruit flies can still survive on sugary liquids, damp garbage, and dirty drains.
Other common flies
Learn more about other common flies found in the US, including bluebottles and house flies, and how to identify them.
Autumn flies, known for clustering around windows in cooler months, invade homes seeking warmth.
Bluebottle flies are known for their metallic blue bodies and rapid breeding They are attracted to decaying matter.
One of the most widespread flies, commonly found in homes and businesses.