Fruit Flies

What are fruit flies?

Fruit flies are common pests in Central Washington that can invade indoor and outdoor spaces in large numbers. They feed on and lay their eggs on ripe, decaying, or fermenting fruits, vegetables, and other organic matter. Fruit flies are most common during the harvest season (late summer and fall) when they are living their best life, feeding on the decaying fruits and vegetables that have fallen to the ground.

Identified by being tiny in size, fruit flies are also recognized by their tan to brownish-colored bodies, translucent wings, feathery antennae, and large bright red (most common) or black eyes. The larvae have worm-like bodies and black mouth hooks.

Why do I have a problem with fruit flies?

Fruit flies move inside Washington homes on their own through open windows or doors or through torn screens while searching for food sources to eat or lay eggs on. We also unintentionally bring these pests into our homes on fruits and vegetables purchased from the store that are already contaminated with fruit fly eggs or larvae. Under the most ideal conditions, fruit flies are able to develop from egg to adult in as little as eight days. With a female being able to lay as many as 500 eggs, these tiny pests can quickly become a big problem!

Are fruit flies dangerous?

Fruit flies land, feed, and breed on decaying plant matter and other organic debris. Any bacteria or other pathogens they pick up on their body or legs can be introduced onto any food or surface they land on. Keeping these pests out of our homes is important to prevent the spread of bacteria and disease. A fruit fly infestation leads to food waste after contaminated food is thrown out. This can become a costlyproblem in Ellensburg, WA!

Do fruit flies bite?

Fruit flies don’t feed on blood nor do they have biting mouthparts. Being bitten by fruit flies is not a concern.

How do I get rid of fruit flies?

The small size of fruit flies and their prolific breeding habits make fruit flies difficult pests to control and eliminate. A fruit fly infestation is a frustrating pest problem to deal with inside any home or business.

Prosite specializes in fly control. We offer accurate identification, a thorough evaluation of your specific fruit fly problem, and the development of an effective plan of action. To learn more about our fly control solutions and how we can eliminate these pests from your residential or commercial property, reach out to Prosite today!

How do I prevent problems with fruit flies?

At Prosite, we recommend implementing the following fruit fly prevention tips:

• Routinely clean out and sanitize trashcans and recycling bins.
• Remove trash from your home on a daily basis.
• Make sure both indoor and outdoor trashcans have lids on them to keep foraging fruit flies out of them.
• Replace or wash dishcloths, sponges, and mops routinely. They trap moisture and debris and could become breeding sites for fruit flies.
• Clean out sink drains to eliminate debris that collects within them.
• Maintain garden areas, harvesting and removing ripe fruits and vegetables.
• Regularly inspect produce in your home, looking for rot.
• Clean-up leftovers from outdoor eating areas and grill areas.
• Inspect produce at the store for signs of fruit flies before bringing it home.
• Store fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator instead of on counters.