Fruit Fly

Drosophila melanogaster

Fruit Fly Facts

Among the smallest and arguably most annoying flying insects is surely the fruit fly. This little pest has been recorded on every continent in the world, except Antarctica because of the inclement weather. The main limiting factors in terms of fruit fly populations are the weather (the prefer more temperate warm environments) and how much water is available (they’re not too fond of deserts).

Their diet of organic matter means you won’t ever have to worry about them biting you for your blood. What you may have to worry about is their large numbers, as they populate quickly and densely. This may make it difficult to rid your home of fruit flies once they’re accustomed to your kitchen, but as always prevention is the first step.

Fruit Fly Bites

Fruit flies don’t have biting mouthparts. Their mandibles that is trunk-link. They feed off ripened juices that ferment in fruits and vegetables. Their mouthparts are like a mop and slurp up the liquids to digest.

Fruit Fly Infestation

The lifecycle of fruit flies begins with a female laying about 500 eggs. Populations begin to boom in the summertime, and they can be found all across the U.S. (warm climate permitting). When living and breeding inside, fruit flies can be more active, and are known to thrive in all seasons.

Much as their name implies, these insects love their fruit (but they eat their vegetables too). Unlike humans, the fruit fly prefers its fruit slightly less than fresh, usually more rotten than most. They don’t just reside themselves to the fruit section of the grocery store however. More often than not they can be found searching for decaying organic matter in your garbage can (both inside and outside the house).

Types of Fruit Flies

Fruit Fly Identification

Commonly described as: vinegar flies, tiny flies with red eyes

Usually tan in color, these 4-millimeter long flies are not to easily spotted. Only when they appear in large numbers are they particularly noticeable. Their small stature alone is their key-identifying feature, especially considering it can be difficult to make out any color at all unless you are quite close to them.

Fruit Flies In The Home & The Yard

Because of their organic diet, they will often be found outside of homes near garbage disposal areas. It’s this same diet that may eventually lead them inside your home and towards your food. For the most part it is rare to see fruit flies in your home in any location other than the kitchen. This is commonly where food scraps are available, or disposed of initially. These are not a covert species either, and are easily spotted in large swarms above whatever their next meal is.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vinegar Flies

What are all these tiny flies in my kitchen?

Most likely, if you are seeing tiny flies in your kitchen, they are fruit flies. They are attracted to just that -- fruit. Fruit flies feed off fermenting juices of ripening fruit and vegetables that you keep in your kitchen. Any rotting bananas, onions, apples or tomatoes are also a delicacy for fruit flies. Cleaning out your fridge and fruit baskets are your best bet to avoid fruit flies finding their way into your kitchen.

How do you prevent a fruit flies infestation?

Because of how small they are these nuisances are often dismissed and not thought of as a prevalent pest. However, if given enough leeway, you may find your garden, kitchen, or sink covered with more flies than you can count. A good screen is a solid defense against any fly, but keep in mind the size of fruit flies when purchasing one.

Given their diet the best thing to do is dispose of fruit and organic materials properly. If desired the added step of keeping fruits and vegetables in sealed containers may be taken. Wine, beer, and other fermented beverages are some more of the fruit fly’s favorite treats; so be sure to keep those bottles closed and close at hand.

Benefits of Professional Fruit Fly Pest Control

A pest management professional has the education, equipment and skills necessary to effectively address a fruit fly problem. Finding and treating the fruit flies can be challenging, especially if they are hidden in the building. A pest management professional provides their expertise to identify the pest problem and determine the best possible solution to resolve the fruit flies infestation.