What Are Fruit Flies?
Fruit flies are tiny insects that seem to appear out of nowhere around overripe produce, fermenting liquids, and organic matter. In reality, they've been developing in hidden breeding sites throughout your home.
What makes fruit flies particularly frustrating is their incredible reproduction rate. A single female can lay up to 500 eggs, and the entire life cycle from egg to adult takes just 8-10 days in warm conditions.
By the time you notice a few fruit flies hovering around your fruit bowl, you may already have hundreds breeding in drains, garbage disposals, or forgotten produce. Effective control requires finding and eliminating all breeding sources.
Understanding the Rapid Life Cycle
Day 1: Egg Stage
Females lay eggs near surface of fermenting organic matter. Each female lays 400-500 eggs over her lifetime. Eggs hatch in 24-30 hours.
Days 2-6: Larval Stage
Tiny white larvae feed on microorganisms in fermenting matter. Develop through three larval stages. Require moist, fermenting environment.
Days 7-8: Pupal Stage
Larvae crawl to drier areas to pupate. Transform from larvae to adult inside protective case. Emerge as fully formed adults.
Day 8+: Adult Stage
Adults mate within 48 hours of emerging. Begin laying eggs immediately. Live 40-50 days. Population explodes exponentially.
Identification Guide
Size
⅛ inch long—about the size of a sesame seed
Color
Tan to brownish-yellow body with distinctive red eyes
Shape
Small, oval body with clear wings, slow erratic flight pattern
Behavioral Signs
- Hover around fruit, vegetables, and fermented liquids
- Attracted to vinegar, wine, beer, and sweet liquids
- Slow fliers that are easy to outpace
- Most active in morning and evening
- Gather in large numbers near breeding sites
Signs of Fruit Fly Infestation
Visual Indicators:
- Small flies hovering around fruit bowls or produce
- Flies emerging from drains or garbage disposal
- Multiple flies near trash cans or recycling bins
- Flies around houseplants with moist soil
- Flies in kitchen, bar area, or near compost
Hidden Breeding Sites:
- Check under and behind refrigerator for rotting produce
- Inspect garbage disposal and drain traps
- Look for forgotten potatoes, onions in pantry
- Check recycling bins for residue in bottles/cans
- Examine drip trays under refrigerators or plants
Common Breeding Sources
Kitchen Sources
- Overripe or rotting fruit and vegetables
- Fruit juice or wine spills
- Garbage disposals with organic buildup
- Drains with fermenting residue
- Dirty mop buckets or cleaning rags
- Recycling bins with soda or beer residue
Other Common Sources
- Overwatered houseplants with decaying matter in soil
- Compost bins stored indoors
- Pet food bowls left out overnight
- Forgotten produce in pantry or storage areas
- Bar areas with spilled liquor or mixers
Prevention Strategies
Fruit & Produce Management
- Refrigerate ripe fruit instead of countertop storage
- Inspect produce before bringing home from store
- Discard overripe produce immediately
- Store onions and potatoes in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas
- Clean fruit bowls regularly
Kitchen Sanitation
- Clean drains weekly with hot water and vinegar
- Run garbage disposal with cold water for 30 seconds after use
- Empty trash daily, especially in summer
- Rinse recyclables before placing in bins
- Wipe down counters and clean up spills immediately
Exclusion & Trapping
- Keep screens on windows in good repair
- Use vinegar traps proactively during fruit season
- Store fruit in refrigerator during peak fruit fly season
Professional Fruit Fly Treatment
DIY vinegar traps catch adult fruit flies but don't eliminate breeding sources. Professional treatment targets the full life cycle.
Our Treatment Protocol
Comprehensive Source Inspection
Thorough inspection to locate all breeding sites—drains, hidden produce, organic buildup
Source Elimination
Remove or treat identified breeding sources. Clean drains mechanically and with enzymatic cleaners
Adult Population Reduction
Professional-grade attractant traps and targeted applications to reduce flying adults
Drain Treatment
Foaming drain cleaners and beneficial bacteria to eliminate organic buildup where larvae develop
Sanitation Recommendations
Detailed guidance on maintaining fruit fly-free environment
Treatment Cost Expectations
Common Questions
Q: Where do fruit flies come from?
Fruit flies often arrive as eggs or larvae on produce from the grocery store. They can also fly in from outside through open doors and windows, attracted by fermenting odors.
Q: Do vinegar traps really work?
Vinegar traps catch adult fruit flies but don't eliminate eggs and larvae breeding in drains and hidden sources. They're helpful for monitoring but not a complete solution.
Q: Why do I still have fruit flies after removing all fruit?
Fruit flies breed in many places beyond visible fruit—drains, garbage disposals, trash cans, mop buckets, and even moist soil in houseplants. All breeding sites must be eliminated.
Q: How long does it take to get rid of fruit flies?
With proper treatment and sanitation, adult fruit flies disappear within 1-2 weeks. The key is eliminating all breeding sources so no new generations develop.
End the Fruit Fly Invasion
Stop the breeding cycle at the source.
Let us eliminate fruit flies from your home or business.