Flying insects such as bees, wasps, mosquitoes, and fruit flies are among the most common pests found here in South Florida. Fruit Flies (Drosophila species) are a common year-round pest that is most prevalent in the late summer and fall months. Fruit flies search for ripe or overripened fruits and vegetables, including common grocery items such as tomatoes, grapes, bananas, squash, and onions. Although fruit flies have a life span of approximately one month, problems with these pests often persist because they reproduce quickly.
Are you wondering how to trap fruit flies and gnats? Many sources indicate that baiting these pests using a funnel protruding from a jar or cup filled with cider vinegar or other formulas such as wine and detergent often works well. However, this and other home remedies will not represent viable options for significant fruit fly infestations that require treatment from a licensed pest control professional.
You should consider consulting with a Fort Myers pest control company that maintains the tools needed for ousting these pests and knows the best preventative measures regarding what keeps fruit flies away from the premises.
What Are Fruit Flies?
Fruit flies in Florida measure roughly 1/8 of an inch long and have a tan or brown appearance with six legs and red eyes. Many homeowners will encounter fruit flies in kitchen areas, particularly near fruit, produce, or trash cans that contain food scraps. In many cases, developing fruit fly larvae are visible, which appear as small worm-like creatures.
Similar to other flying pests, fruit flies develop through a multi-stage cycle. They begin as eggs and quickly progress through stages as larvae and pupae before reaching adulthood.
Are fruit flies and gnats the same thing? Fruit flies and fungus gnats have some obvious similarities in size and behavior; however, several key differences become apparent when looking at them both carefully. Fruit flies appear more tan or brown, while gnats are generally grey or black. The body of a fruit fly typically appears rounded—similar to the common house fly. Gnats have a “mosquito-like” appearance with long, dangling legs.
While the red eyes of a fruit fly are likely visible, the eyes of a fungus gnat are generally too small to see. Fungus gnats prefer flying around gardens or indoor plants, consuming organic materials, while fruit flies commonly appear in trash cans, garbage disposals, or drains.
How do you get rid of fruit flies? Successfully eliminating fruit flies from your home usually requires a multi-faceted approach that involves limiting food sources, treating breeding areas, and implementing exclusionary measures. Consider the following tips:
- Promptly dispose of any overripened fruits or vegetables and any empty soda cans or beer bottles
- Repair or replace any torn or otherwise damaged window screens that flies will infiltrate
- Limit points of entry from the exterior by ensuring that doors and windows seal properly
- Adopt excellent cleaning habits in kitchen areas, such as regularly wiping down sinks and countertops
- Place all fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator or sealed containers
- Kitchen-area trash cans should have functional lids
Many homeowners find that infestations involving fruit flies pose significant challenges. Keep in mind that these creatures thrive in warm and damp areas such as the drains in kitchen sinks, which makes promptly addressing any clogs important.
Is It Dangerous To Have Fruit Flies In My Home?
Many individuals consider fruit flies as primarily a nuisance pest; however, they might also pose some health-related concerns. During their travels, fruit flies may carry and spread types of bacteria that contaminate food. Fruit flies also may deposit eggs on fruit, causing contamination.
Where Did These Fruit Flies Come From?
Home occupants often inadvertently bring fruit flies or fruit fly eggs into their homes with food from gardens or fruits and vegetables from grocery stores. Fruit flies might also enter homes through openings around exterior doors or windows. Once indoors, female fruit flies may lay hundreds of eggs, which may hatch in only a day or two and result in a situation that progressively worsens. Fermenting materials in garbage disposals, trash cans, or mop heads will also attract these creatures.
What’s The Best Way To Get Rid Of Fruit Flies?
The team of service specialists with Stat Pest Control knows what kills gnats and fruit flies. We maintain the knowledge regarding how to prevent fruit flies or gnats from returning to the premises and continuing your frustration as well. Property owners in Fort Myers should avoid trying store-bought pest control products that are often general “flying insect” control products not designed specifically for fruit flies. Contact us today regarding an inspection.
