Fruit Fly Identification Guide

What are fruit flies?

Fruit flies are a very small species of fly, and adults grow up to about 1/8 of an inch in length. While their large compound eyes are mainly red, they may also be brown or black. Their body is yellowish-brown to brownish-black, and they have translucent wings. Under the right conditions, these prolific breeders can develop from egg to adult in less than eight days.

Are fruit flies dangerous?

Adults frequent decaying or rotting organic materials to either feed on or to lay their eggs on. The rotting material allows fruit flies to pick up and carry a lot of pathogens on their bodies and legs that they then contaminate food and surfaces.

Fruit flies are unwelcome pests that have the potential to spread bacteria that can make people ill. Their presence should be eliminated from any home or business as quickly as possible.

Why do I have a fruit fly problem?

Fruit flies feed and lay their eggs on very ripe or decaying organic matter. Their populations are at their largest during the fall when fruits and vegetables have come to maturity. It is no coincidence that harvest season and peak fruit fly “season” occur around the same time!
 
Fruit flies looking for food or breeding sites may enter into your home through open windows or doors, torn screens, or other openings they discover. They also get into homes on produce purchased from grocery stores or farmer markets already infested with their eggs or larvae.

Where will I find fruit flies?

Compost piles, areas of garbage, and gardens are very attractive to fruit flies and where you will discover large populations. Those areas are full of the ripe, decaying, or fermenting foods that they love.

You can also find fruit flies inside of homes, restaurants, grocery stores, and other places where food is stored.

How do I get rid of fruit flies?

Acquiring help from a professional pest control expert is the best way to eliminate fruit flies and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective pest control services that are affordable. We are a local, family-owned pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations.
 
For home or business owners looking to eliminate pests from their property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

How can I prevent fruit flies in the future?

To help protect your North Carolina property from fruit flies, consider putting into place the following prevention measures

• Remove trash from your home daily.

• Make sure your outdoor trash cans have tight-fitting lids.

• Maintain your compost piles.

• Clean out and sanitize trash cans.

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

• Pick up fallen fruits or vegetables from garden areas.

• Inspect produce at the store for signs of fruit flies before bringing home.

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