What Attracts Fruit Flies in Your House?
If you’ve noticed fruit flies in your house all of a sudden (and have no idea where they’re coming from), Premier Pest Control is here to explain.
Fruit flies, also known as the vinegar or pomace fly, are a species of insect common worldwide. They’re characterised by their black abdomens, small size (measuring only an eighth of an inch in length) and translucent wings.
While these pests don’t transfer venom or diseases via a bite, having an infestation in your home can pose several health risks.
If a fruit fly carrying a foodborne illness (e.g. gastroenteritis, salmonella, E.coli) lands on produce that you consume, there is a chance you will contract the disease. To prevent this, there are certain areas in the home you should protect and foods to keep out of sight.
What attracts fruit flies?
Fruit flies are generally attracted to the scents of ripened vegetables, fruit, and foods or drinks with a high sugar content. But why?
Fermenting fruit and vegetables
Fruit flies are primarily attracted to fruits and vegetables beyond their prime ripeness (or even fermenting). They target these foods because of the high levels of natural sugars present in these foods, which, as they start to ferment, produce alcohol.
The fermentation process emits odours and gases highly attractive to fruit flies. When the emerging larvae hatch from their eggs, there will be plenty of food nearby.
Drains and bins
Fruit flies aren’t just attracted to food itself, but anywhere that food residue accumulates. Drains, disposals and rubbish bins often contain bits of organic material and residual moisture: the perfect breeding ground for fruit flies.
The combination of organic matter and a moist environment allows for rapid growth and reproduction, making these areas a common hotspot for fruit fly activity.
Wine, beer, fruit juice, and vinegar
Fermented beverages such as wine, beer, fruit juices, and vinegar are major attractants for fruit flies.
The fermentation process produces ethanol and other compounds that fruit flies find irresistible. Even small amounts, like a bottle left open or a spill on a counter, can be enough to draw these pests.
By cleaning any residue left on the bottles and cleaning up spills immediately (and thoroughly!), you will avoid attracting fruit flies to your home.
Moist environments
The reason fruit flies are attracted to moist environments is closely linked to their breeding habits. Damp locations in homes, such as around leaky pipes, wet mops, or damp rags, are the perfect places for fruit flies to lay their eggs.
These moist environments provide the conditions for their eggs to develop and hatch, meaning you’ll need to keep a close eye on any moisture-prone materials or areas of your home and keep them dry!
How long do fruit flies live?
The life cycle of the fruit fly is short.
On average, fruit flies only live for roughly 40-50 days, and during this time, female fruit flies can lay multiple batches of larvae. The fruit fly population then increases rapidly, with the flies dying around 8-15 days after mating.
They lay their eggs in moist environments, on fermenting fruits, sticky surfaces, and anywhere there is an accumulation of food wastage.
How long the flies live depends heavily on factors like temperature, availability of food sources, and the humidity of their surrounding environment. In cooler temperatures, fruit flies may only live 10-15 days.
How to get rid of fruit flies
Now that you know what attracts fruit flies in your house, how do you eliminate them? Since fruit flies are attracted to moist environments, keeping these areas dry is important.
Avoid leaving wet tea towels or mops out in the open: make sure they’re dry and then store them somewhere enclosed. However, when it’s impossible to keep the area dry (for example, drainage pipes), you can pour boiling water down them to help eliminate any eggs or larvae.
One of the easiest methods of fruit fly prevention is wiping your kitchen surfaces! If you spill any foods or liquids, clean it up immediately with a disinfectant and wipe with a cloth until dry.
When you’ve tried all these methods, and you’re still inundated with fruit flies, call Premier Pest Control. Our domestic and commercial pest control services will eradicate fruit fly infestations and help you reclaim your property.