FRUIT FLIES

Fruit flies are 3 to 4 mm long, usually with red eyes and yellowish to light brown colouring.

Fruit flies are common in homes, restaurants, grocery stores and wherever else food is present. While they can be an issue year-round, they are most bothersome during late summer and fall. 

In a lifetime, female fruit flies typically lay 400-500 fruit fly eggs (in rotting fruit and other organic material), which hatch into larvae.The entire lifecycle from fruit fly larvae to adult is about 7 days.

It was believed that fruit flies developed on rotten or over-ripe fruits and vegetables. Fruit flies actually come indoors through windows, doors and drain pipes by following the odours emitted by ripe vegetables and fruits. They can also be present on produce you bring indoors.

When it comes to getting rid of fruit flies, prevention and sanitiation are crucial. Here are effective tips for how to get rid of fruit flies:

• Wash fruits and vegetables when you first bring them indoors.
• Store them in the refrigerator.
• Don’t buy excess quantities of produce unless you plan to use immediately or have room in the refrigerator to store.
• Regularly inspect your produce and compost or throw out anything rotten.
• Clean up food and liquid spills when they occur.
• Always clean and sanitize your kitchen counters, sinks and drains.
• Use garbage and compost bins with secure lids.
• Store trash, compost and recycling bins away from your home, especially entrances or entry points.
• Regularly wash and sanitize your indoor and outdoor garbage cans, recycling bins and compost bins.

While fruit flies are a sanitation issue, a serious fruit fly infestation may require help from a licensed pest control professional.