Fruit Fly Identification & Prevention

What are fruit flies?

Adult fruit flies are those tiny flying pests that take over our kitchens in the late summer and fall. As they fly around our kitchens, they look like generic tiny gray flies, but if you take a closer look, you can see they have unique physical characteristics that separate them from other flies.

The fruit fly has a tan or brownish-black body, translucent wings, feathery antennae, and most have large red eyes. These insects are very tiny, with adults only growing to about an eighth of an inch long. It is critical to seek pest control services for your Idaho Falls home when these pests begin to invade.

Are fruit flies dangerous?

While it is easy to just swat at fruit flies to move them out of your way and hope they disappear one day, being proactive about ridding your home of fruit flies is important. These tiny flies pose some big dangers, and you should eliminate them as soon as you notice them.

After landing on decaying vegetation, they pick up bacteria on their bodies and will proceed to contaminate food and surfaces in your home. The pathogens they spread often lead to upset stomachs, vomiting, and diarrhea. Fruit flies are a significant cause of food waste; you should discard any food contaminated by fruit flies.

Why do I have a fruit fly problem?

Fruit flies are most problematic in the fall because there is plenty of food in fields, gardens, and fruit trees for them to take advantage of. These flies can form very large populations in a short period. But, it is important to understand that fruit flies can become a problem inside our homes any time of the year. Debris that gathers in the drains of sinks and tubs make the perfect year-round feeding and breeding ground for these pests.

Where will I find fruit flies?

Outside, you'll find fruit flies gathering around breeding and feeding sites like compost, gardens, trash cans, and outdoor eating areas. Those that have found a way inside usually gather in kitchen and bathroom areas. They swarm around sinks, produce on counters, open drink containers, and sticky spills.

Many people don't realize that fruit flies aren't just a problem in the summer and fall; they can be a year-round problem. Inside homes and businesses, they breed inside drains where they reproduce rapidly and in large numbers.

How do I get rid of fruit flies?

Nothing can be more aggravating than a kitchen full of swarming fruit flies. They are everywhere, and no matter how hard you try to get rid of them, they keep returning. The most stress-free way to get rid of fruit flies and other household pests is by reaching out to Falls Pest Services.

Through our customized and affordable pest control services, we will solve your property's pest problems. We are a local, licensed, and insured company that you can count on to provide the services necessary to keep pests out of your home throughout the entire year, no matter the season. Don't share your kitchen with fruit flies for another day! Call Falls Pest Services to learn more about our effective residential or commercial options throughout our Idaho pest control service areas.

How can I prevent fruit flies in the future?

The best way to prevent problems with fruit flies and other pests is to put into place a year-round pest control program. In conjunction with professional home pest control and commercial pest control services, the following tips can help you avoid problems with fruit flies in your Idaho Falls home.

• Trash cans in your kitchen should have lids on them.
• Remove trash from your home regularly.
• Clean out and sanitize indoor and outdoor trash containers on a routine basis.
• If you have a vegetable garden or fruit trees on your property, make sure to regularly harvest fruits and vegetables from them to keep them from falling and decaying on the ground.
• Produce purchased from the store should be washed and then placed in the refrigerator.
• Replace or wash dishcloths, sponges, and mops regularly; they trap moisture and food debris that act as breeding sites for fruit flies.