Fruit Flies
Brief Overview of Fruit Flies
Fruit flies are the smallest member of the order Diptera and are found living worldwide; females lay their eggs on ripe, decaying, or fermenting foods. Populations of fruit flies become very large in the fall (harvest season). They can become a huge problem inside of homes, restaurants, grocery stores, and food processing facilities.
What Do Fruit Flies Look Like?
Adult fruit flies have an oval-shaped body and grow to about 1/8th of an inch in length, females are typically larger than the males. They have large, prominent compound eyes that are usually red in color, although they can be brown or black in color as well. Their bodies are yellowish-brown to brownish-black in color. Like other species of flies, fruit flies have a total of four wings, which are translucent. The fruit fly’s worm-like larvae grow to between 1/4 and 3/8 of an inch in length. The larvae’s body is tapered at the head and is rounded at the hind-end segment. Except for their two dark mouth-hooks, the rest of their body is whitish in color.
Where Am I Likely to See Fruit Flies?
Fruit flies are initially attracted to properties that offer them easy access to food, water, and breeding sites. Properties that have gardens, compost piles, and open garbage cans often attract fruit flies. Once on your property, these flies usually quickly find their way inside through small gaps found around windows or doors or through small holes found in screens. They also are often accidentally introduced inside of homes on fruits and vegetables purchased from the store that are infested with their eggs or larvae. Inside of homes, fruit flies are found swarming in kitchens, pantries, and any other areas where food is stored.
Are Fruit Flies Dangerous?
Fruit flies are mostly known for being a nuisance pest; a few fruit flies in your kitchen can quickly turn into swarms of them if they are not quickly taken care of. Fruit flies, before living inside of your home may have landed on or lived in some less than sanitary areas and therefore have the potential to contaminate food and food prep areas with bacteria and disease.
How Do I Get Rid of Fruit Flies?
The most effective way to eliminate fruit flies from your property is to contact a professional pest control expert at the first sign of their presence on your North Texas property. The professionals at Adams Exterminating Company have the experience needed to completely eliminate a fruit fly infestation through our affordable, effective, modern home pest control services for Dallas-Fort Worth. Contact us today for more information about our pest control services in Denton, Lewisville, Plano, and surrounding areas and/or obtain a free quote!
