Fruit / Vinegar Flies
Fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) are 1/8” to 1/5” long and are a dull yellow-brown to dark brown. In the more common species the abdomen has darker brown stripes. They often have distinct red (left) or brown eyes (right) in some species and have sponging mouthparts.
Fruit or Vienagar Fly Habits
Fruit, or vinegar flies, lay their eggs into rotting, fermenting organic matter and are most often associated with spillage or liquids, decaying or rotting fruits and vegetables. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae can finish their development in as little as three (3) days. Adult flies remain close to where they develop. Usually, the area where you see the adult flies is close to where the larval development is taking place, although they can fly into other areas.
Questions To Ask About Fruit Or Vinegar Flies
- Where are you seeing them?
- How often do you take out your garbage?
- When did you last wash out your garbage cans?
- Have you found any out of condition fruits or vegetables?
- Where are your drains?
- Where are you seeing flies accumulating?
- Do you recycle? Where do you keep those items?
Fruit Or Vinegar Fly Inspection Tips
Pay particular attention to garbage areas, floor drains and dishwashing areas. Look for rotting, or out-of-condition fruit or vegetables in storage areas in the home. Determine cleaning and sanitation programs, garbage disposal type of cleaning. Determine where the recycling area is, or container kept for recycling.
