Everyone knows how annoying fruit flies can be. While this pest can linger year-round, they are most active between summer and fall when it is the warmest weather. Many fruits and vegetables are harvested and ripened at this time of year, which fruit flies consume and then lay their eggs.
Because of their size, it can be challenging to distinguish fruit flies from other small flies. You may be able to tell from their appearance, but more likely from their habits.
- Description: Fruit flies are about 1/8 of an inch, and have tan to brownish-yellow bodies, translucent wings, feathery antennae, and bright red or black eyes. Their larvae are white and worm-like with black mouth hooks.
- Habits: Fruit flies are commonly found in kitchens, around the garden, and in outdoor eating areas. You may see them in excess around sinks where they can eat and reproduce.
Fruit fly infestations seem like they come out of nowhere due to their quick reproductive and life cycles. This pest only lives for about a week, but in that time, one female can produce 500 eggs, which develop into adults in one to two weeks. As you can see, in a matter of two weeks, fruit flies can take over your home. To keep this from happening on your Fort Worth property, you should read below to learn how you might be attracting fruit flies and how you can prevent them.
How Are Fruit Flies Dangerous?
Not only are fruit flies extremely annoying if they infest your home, but they can be dangerous too. As previously stated, fruit flies are attracted to fruits and vegetables, more explicitly ripening and decaying. They can pick up and transmit harmful microorganisms, parasites, and diseases from decaying matter from the food we consume. This contamination can make people sick and should not be taken lightly.
How Can I Prevent Fruit Flies?
You might already know some fruit fly prevention tips because they are such a common home-invading pest. In any case, here are several tips you should implement in your home:
- Keep food stored in clean and dry areas.
- Keep fruit and vegetables in the refrigerator.
- Throw away overripe fruit and rotting vegetables and remove the garbage from the inside of your home.
- Use garbage cans both inside and outside that have a secure lid.
- Rinse out bottles and cans before disposing of them in a recycling bin with a secure lid.
- Regularly clean sinks, drains, and garbage disposals.
- Rinse and clean rags and mops.
Try as you might, fruit flies can be challenging to get rid of on your own because of how quickly they reproduce and mature. But don't worry, hope is not lost—experts in the pest control business know how to treat stubborn pests like fruit flies.
How Can I Get Rid Of Fruit Flies?
When it comes to getting rid of fruit flies, you'll see hundreds of products that advertise efficacy, such as sticky traps, liquid trap solutions, and much more. But the truth is that these products only target an infestation at the adult stage, leaving eggs and larvae to mature and continue the cycle.
Contact the professionals at All-Safe Pest & Termite for more advice or assistance regarding fruit flies. With our knowledge and tools, we can help you keep this annoying pest out of your home. Call us today at All-Safe Pest & Termite for all your home pest control needs in Fort Worth.