There are many pests out there that are known for their persistence, and a good example here is the fruit fly. While these pests don’t typically create major damage or health risks in the same ways that certain other pests do, they can still be quite frustrating and tough to get rid of in some homes, especially if an infestation has been allowed to build for too long.
At A-1 Exterminators, we’re happy to help with all your general insect and other pest control needs in West Jordan and nearby parts of Utah. We’re here to help with any fruit fly issues you may have — but with the right simple approaches, you can likely remove any fruit fly issues pretty easily on your own without the need to call in our exterminators. Here’s a full rundown on what fruit flies are, why they show up in some homes, and how you can get rid of them.
What Are Fruit Flies?
Firstly, for those just learning about these pests, fruit flies are small insects that often show up near sources of ripe fruits or vegetables. They’re attracted to the sugars in these foods, and they typically lay their eggs near these same sources so their larvae can have an easy food source as well. For this reason, you’ll usually see them in kitchens where there may be some open produce sitting out or near the trash can where rotting produce may have been thrown away.
Fruit flies are small insects with red eyes and a reddish brown thorax. They’re about 1/8 of an inch long, making them one of the smaller common pests you’ll find in and around your home. Despite their small size, they can reproduce quickly, which is one reason they can become such a problem in some cases.
Why Are Fruit Flies In My Home?
Fruit flies typically only become an issue when there’s some sort of food source that’s attractive to them inside your home. This could be overripe fruits or vegetables that have been left out, as mentioned, but it could also be garbage cans that haven’t been emptied recently or other sources of rotting organic matter. If you have fruit flies, it’s a good idea to check all these potential food sources and clean them up as much as possible to try to remove the issue.
In addition, keep in mind that fruit flies can lay their eggs in very small cracks and crevices, so even if you don’t see any potential food sources, there could still be an issue. Once the larvae hatch, they’ll start feeding on organic matter, and the cycle will continue until you take care of the problem.
Are They Fruit Flies or Gnats?
Fruit flies share a number of similarities with other small pests, including gnats. These are also small insects that often show up near sources of organic matter, and they can be just as frustrating to deal with. However, there are some key differences between fruit flies and gnats that can help you identify which pest you’re dealing with.
The biggest difference is usually the size — fruit flies are a bit larger than gnats, as mentioned. In addition, fruit flies typically have reddish eyes and a reddish brown thorax, while gnats usually have black eyes and a darker thorax. Finally, fruit fly larvae tend to be white or cream colored, while gnat larvae are usually translucent.
If you’re still not sure which type of pest you’re dealing with, our team at A-1 Exterminators can come out and take a look. We’ll be able to identify the pest and help you determine the best course of action for removal.
Fruit Fly Reproduction Risks
As we noted above, unlike termites or some other insect types, fruit flies don’t directly cause serious damage to your home. However, they can still create some risks in terms of their reproduction cycle. These insects reproduce quickly, and a female fruit fly can lay up to 500 eggs at a time. This means that an infestation can grow very quickly if you’re not careful, making it tough to get rid of on your own.
The key risk here, at least in most homes or buildings, is simple annoyance and frustration. These pests are small, but they can be very persistent, and a large number of them flying around your kitchen or other rooms can be quite irritating. In addition, if you have fruit flies in your business, they could turn away customers or create other issues.
How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to get rid of fruit flies and keep them from coming back. As we mentioned, one of the most important things is to clean up any potential food sources that may be attracting them. This means emptying garbage cans regularly, cleaning up spills quickly, and making sure overripe fruits or vegetables are thrown away promptly.
In addition, you can use traps to help get rid of fruit flies. There are a number of different types of traps available, but one of the most effective is a simple vinegar trap. To make this trap, you’ll need:
- A bowl
- White vinegar
- Dish soap
Simply mix equal parts vinegar and water in the bowl and add a few drops of dish soap. The dish soap breaks the surface tension of the vinegar and water mixture, which will cause the fruit flies to be drawn in and then trapped when they try to land on the surface.
And of course, if these efforts don’t work or you don’t have the time to deal with fruit flies on your own, our team at A-1 Exterminators can help. We’ll work quickly and efficiently to get rid of the fruit flies in your home or business and help you take steps to prevent them from coming back in the future.
Give us a call today to schedule an appointment for any of your West Jordan pest control needs!
