Fruit Fly

Fruit Fly

Drosophila spp.

Color: Eyes are red, the thorax is tan, and abdomen is black on top and gray underneath.

Size: 1/8-inch long

Fruit flies are especially attracted to ripened fruits, dirty garbage containers, rotten vegetables, slime in drains in kitchen. They also will breed in drains, garbage disposals, empty bottles and cans, trash containers, mops and cleaning rags. All that is needed for development is a moist film of fermenting material. Infestations can originate from over-ripened fruits or vegetables that were previously infested and brought into the home. The adults can also fly in from outside through inadequately screened windows and doors.

Fruit flies are common in homes, restaurants, supermarkets and wherever else food is allowed to rot and ferment. Adult flies are strong fliers. They have been known to travel as far as 6-1/2 miles within 24-hour period. Fruit flies lay their eggs near the surface of fermenting foods or other moist, organic materials. Upon emerging, the tiny larvae continue to feed near the surface of the fermenting mass. This surface-feeding characteristic of the larvae is significant in that damaged or over-ripened portions of fruits and vegetables can be cut away without having to discard the remainder for fear of retaining any developing larvae. The reproductive potential of fruit flies is enormous; given the opportunity, they will lay about 500 eggs. The entire lifecycle from egg to adult can be completed in about a week.

Tomatoes, melons, squash, grapes and other perishable items brought in from the garden are often the cause of an infestation developing indoors. Fruit flies are also attracted to rotting bananas, potatoes, onions and other unrefrigerated produce purchased at the grocery store.

Fruit flies are primarily nuisance pests. However, they also have the potential to contaminate food with bacteria and other disease-producing organisms.

Fruit Fly Prevention Tips

The best way to avoid problems with fruit flies is to eliminate sources of attraction. Produce which has ripened should be eaten, discarded or refrigerated. Cracked or damaged portions of fruits and vegetables should be cut away and discarded in the event that eggs or larvae are present in the wounded area. A single rotting potato or onion forgotten at the back of a closet, or fruit juice spillage under a refrigerator can breed thousands of fruit flies. So can a recycling bin stored in the basement which is never emptied or cleaned.

People who can their own fruits and vegetables, or make wine, cider or beer should ensure that the containers are well sealed; otherwise, fruit flies will lay their eggs under the lid and the tiny larvae will enter the container upon hatching. Windows and doors should be equipped with tight-fitting (16 mesh) screens to help prevent adult fruit flies from entering from outdoors.

Eradication:

Once a structure is infested with fruit flies, all potential breeding areas must be located and eliminated. Unless the breeding sites are removed or cleaned, the problem will continue no matter how often insecticides are applied to control the adults. Finding the source(s) of attraction and breeding can be very challenging and often will require much thought and persistence. Potential breeding sites which are inaccessible (e.g., garbage disposals and drains) can be inspected by taping a clear plastic food storage bag over the opening overnight. If flies are breeding in these areas, the adults will emerge and be caught in the bag.

After the source of attraction and breeding is eliminated, a pyrethrum-based, aerosol insecticide may be used to kill any remaining adult flies in the area.

A better approach, however, is to construct a trap by placing a paper funnel (rolled from a sheet of notebook paper) into a jar which is then baited with a few ounces of cider vinegar. Place the jar trap(s) wherever fruit flies are seen. This simple but effective trap will soon catch any remaining adult flies which can then be killed or released outdoors.

Fruit Fly Prevention Tips:

Eradication:

After the source of attraction and breeding is eliminated, a pyrethrum-based, aerosol insecticide may be used to kill any remaining adult flies in the area.

MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS AND TREATMENT FOR Fruit Fly CONTROL

Pests need food, water, and shelter. Often, the problem may be solved just by removing these key items.

It is important to be aware of how to prevent Fruit Fly in your everyday life. Before even thinking about chemical pest control, see few Fruit Fly prevention tips to keep in mind regarding how to avoid Fruit Fly.

Pesticides can be purchased in many different forms, each form has specific uses and application methods The pesticide application method you choose depends on the nature and habits of the target pest, the properties of the pesticide, the suitability of the application equipment, and the cost and efficiency of alternative methods. Your choice is often predetermined by one or more of these factors. Follow label directions for volume recommendations and application rates based on the pest to be controlled and utilize appropriate application tips on equipment. , these application methods are for informational purposes only. To know specific applications method/s for the product you buy, please refer actual packages for complete Label Verbiage.

Are ready-to-Use pressurized containers which contain a dilute insecticide, which forced through a nozzle on the container releasing the material in to the air.

Aerosols
Dust insecticide are finely ground solid particles of the chemical mixed with a fine inert powder such as clay or talc.

Dust Insecticides
Fly lights
Flying insect control kit
Are highly concentrated Pesticide solution (80-100) applied with little or no dilution with special ULV equipment.

Fogging Insecticide
Fruit Fly Control Kits
Insect Growth regulators are man-made materials that are similar to natural chemicals found in an insect body. These chemicals inhibit or delay the development of internal organs. This result in sterility or affects normal development.

Insect Growth Regulators (IGR)
Insecticide Stickers
Concentrated insecticides are materials that are mixed with water (in most cases) and are then applied through pump sprayers.

Liquid Concentrate
Odor Eliminator
A pheromones are sex attractants from special glands of one or both sexes of a pest and are used to attract insects to traps and to monitor pest populations.

Pheromone traps & attractant
Replacement Glue Boards
Replacement light bulbs
Soaps & Cleaning Compounds
Sticky boards or traps are used to determine the numbers of a pest and to locate pest nesting areas.

Sticky boards
Chemicals that, while not possessing inherent pesticidal activity, nonetheless promote or enhance the effectiveness of other pesticides when combined.

Synergists
Wettable powders are dry, finely ground formulations that look like dusts. They usually must be mixed with water for application as a spray.

Wettable Powders

View Cart (0)

On Staff Entomologist. »

Professional Grade Products. »

Free Expert Advice. »

Low Price Guarantee. »

30 Days No Hassle Returns.»

Safe, Secure Shopping

Legal

My Account

Helpful Links

Shipping & Returns

Company Info

Legal

My Account

Helpful Links

Shipping & Returns

Company Info

Phone number

$

5

OFF^*

Choose charity:

View Cart (0)

Fruit Fly

On Staff Entomologist. »

Professional Grade Products. »

Free Expert Advice. »

Low Price Guarantee. »

30 Days No Hassle Returns.»

Safe, Secure Shopping

Legal

My Account

Helpful Links

Shipping & Returns

Company Info

Legal

My Account

Helpful Links

Shipping & Returns

Company Info

Stay Connected

Phone number

$

5

OFF*

Choose charity:

OFF^*