Fruit Fly/Gnat Control

Fruit Fly/Gnat Control

Fruit flies often infest homes with ripe, rotting, or decayed fruit and produce. They also enjoy fermented items such as beer, liquor, and wine. Fruit flies may breed and develop in drains, garbage disposals, trash cans, and mop buckets. Once they begin reproducing indoors, females can lay about 500 eggs and the eggs will hatch in as little as 24-30 hours after being deposited by the female.
This makes the pests difficult to control. Fungus gnats infest soil and feed upon decaying or damaged plant roots as well as fungi found in the soil. While not dangerous to humans, a fungus gnat infestation can be a nuisance indoors, as clouds of these tiny pests swarm and settle repeatedly.

Like other fly species, fruit flies experience a four-stage life cycle: beginning as eggs, they undergo larval and pupal stages before emerging as adults. The early life stages span approximately a few days and fruit flies can complete their development in as little as week in ideal temperature conditions. Adult fruit flies can live up to 30 days.

Fruit Fly traits:

Size: Drosophila melanogaster is a species of small fly. Adults are 3 to 4 mm long.
Eyes: May have red eyes, though some are dark eyed.
Body: Tan thorax. The abdomen is black on top, gray underneath.
Color: Fruit flies can appear to be brown or tan in color.

Aside from being a nuisance, fruit flies have the potential to contaminate food with bacteria and other pathogens. To avoid a fruit fly infestation, store produce in air-tight containers or refrigerators. Inspect any fruits or vegetables brought into the home. Establish a schedule to regularly clean drain lines, garbage disposals and any location where food waste accumulates. It is extremely difficult to rid a home of the common fruit fly. Keeping fruit flies out of your home is an ongoing process. Since every home is different, Our Pest Control Professionals will design a unique program for your situation.