Fruit Flies and Fruit Fly Control

More than 100 pathogens are associated with fruit flies and the house fly including: E. coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus. Therefore, the sanitation problems that flies can cause should concern all proprietors of establishments that serve food or in commercial areas where fly control is a must.

The Fruit Fly

Fruit flies belong to the family Drosophilidae, which consist of about 1,500 species such as vinegar flies, drain flies, phorid flies, and pomace flies, all as nuisance pests and as contaminators of food as they can easily be carriers of harmful diseases. They have been introduced to almost all temperate regions wherever there is a moist environment, but seek shelter in the colder months. Indoors, they are frequently active all times of the year.

Identify
Very small, approximately 1/8" in length. Bright red eye., 4 Black horizontal stripes on body and artistic designs on the wings.

Cycle
Female fruit flies lay their eggs on the surface of fermenting materials such as fruit, vegetables, and other organic materials found in garbage cans and other damp areas. Other species are found in mops and rags, drains, and sewers. Approximately 500 eggs are laid near the surface of the material hatch in about 30 hours and feed. With a period of 9 to 12 days from egg to adult, the reproductive potential of these flies is tremendous, and very large numbers of them appear in a short time.

Hazard
They move quickly from rotting, disease laden garbage to exposed food and utensils and cause millions of bacteria to be quickly transferred from the fly to the exposed food. Large populations can build up quickly in food service establishments. Wineries, pickle plants, and canneries consider the fruit fly to the their most important pest.

Fruit Fly Control

Residual sprays and the use of fly traps are effective against fruit flies as they are highly attracted to ultraviolet light.  Traditional fly zapper methods don't work because fruit flies are so small, they can fly through the zapper grids....but they can't escape a fly trap. Fly traps are silent and very effective for fruit flies and can be used in areas where insecticides are not approved. They also capture and kill other problem pests like house flies. but continual use and repeat applications will be necessary as long as the breeding source remains. You must attack the fruit flies on both fronts.

Locating the source of the fruit fly infestation may be difficult since the flies can be well concealed and can hide anywhere where moisture collects. There are often numerous breeding sources in an infested areas. Areas that are damp and warm (standing water, drains, unchanged mop buckets) are the perfect place for a fly infestation to begin. By cleaning regularly and maintaining these high-problem areas, you can help prevent a major infestation. Sanitation is the only way to eliminate the breeding harbitats for the fruit fly.