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Fruit Flies: How to Spot a Fruit Fly Infestation and Regain Control

fruit fly exterminator in Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Fruit Fly Pest Control Services in Cape Cod & Southern Shores

Maintaining fruit fly control is an ongoing process that can sometimes get out of hand.

Whether you’re currently experiencing fruit fly control challenges or think you have an infestation in your home, Pest Pros is here to help with your fruit fly extermination needs. Keep reading to learn about fruit flies and how to get rid of them.

 

How to Tell If It’s a Fruit Fly

Fruit flies are small, gnat-sized, brown insects with red eyes. They tend to hover in groups near the following places:

  • Kitchens and sink drains
  • Trash cans
  • Near decaying vegetables or fruit
  • Around liquor or beer bottles

If you’ve noticed a swarm of flies near those areas, you may have a control problem. But don’t worry — you can and will defeat the pests.

 

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How to Determine a Fruit Fly Infestation

Infestations can come out of nowhere. The two main signs to look out for are the brown flies themselves and their larvae. While you can easily spot adult flies flying around, the small, black larvae, sometimes mistaken for dirt or insect dung, can go unnoticed. Be on the lookout for both. Large numbers of fruit flies hanging around your kitchen can signify an infestation.

 

What Causes Fruit Flies in the First Place?

Rotting produce such as over-ripe fruits and molding vegetables attract fruit flies. Dirty drains and open garbage bins also serve as the perfect home for larvae. Even the smallest amount of moist, decaying debris in your kitchen makes for the ideal breeding ground.

When adult flies lay their eggs in rotting materials, garbage disposals or drains, the fruit fly control struggle begins. Once fruit flies begin reproducing, females can lay around 400 eggs that hatch within two to four days.

 

How to Proactively Control for Fruit Flies Before an Infestation Occurs

Once these pests make their way into your home, it’s difficult to get them out. The root of control lies in preventing them from breeding and laying eggs. Therefore, we suggest taking the following anti-fruit fly precautions:

  • Keep all ripening to over-ripe fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator.
  • Empty your garbage can regularly and make sure it has a closing lid.
  • Ensure your sink drains are clean.
  • Wipe away sticky juices/spills from your countertops and floors.

 

How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies

Getting rid of fruit flies is no easy task. However, if you find yourself in a fruit fly frenzy, you can take a few measures to regain control of your kitchen.

You should start by eliminating the fruit fly nest, or breeding grounds. Unfortunately, simply throwing away decaying food won’t do the trick. Fruit fly larvae move as they mature.

Once you’ve eliminated the breeding grounds, call a professional fruit fly exterminator to spray insecticides that will kill the flies, but be aware of companies that use toxic chemicals. To ensure you and your families health, Cape Cod Pest Pros uses all-natural, eco-friendly sprays. It’s important to remember that while setting up fruit fly traps and trying other DIY methods can decrease the number of adult flies, it will not solve your fly problem over the long-term.

 

Pest Pros Is Here to Help

Getting fruit flies under control can be overwhelming. Oftentimes, the most reliable course of action is to call in pest professionals to analyze the source of your fruit fly infestation. If you’re having trouble with fruit flies and need a hand, get in touch with us today for fruit fly extermination services. We offer free inspections and fast quotes!

Request A Free Pest Inspection