What Do Fruit Flies Look Like?
Fruit flies are tiny flies that only grow 3 to 4 mm long. They are yellowish-brown in color with black markings on their abdomen. Fruit flies often have large red eyes, although some can have dark brown or white eyes. They have six legs, short feathery antennae, and one pair of translucent wings. The fruit fly’s wormlike larvae (maggots) are pale yellow to white in color and measure between 3 to 4 mm.
What are the Signs of a Fruit Fly Infestation?
Fruit flies are a common household pest, especially in kitchens, pantries, grocery stores, and other areas where food is stored. They are attracted to overripe fruits and vegetables as well as fermenting liquids. Fruit flies are often seen flying around in kitchens near trash cans or garbage disposals. Fruit flies can be relatively hard to get rid of once they have entered your home.
Fruit Fly Control in Milwaukee, WI
Advanced Wildlife and Pest Control offers professional fly control services in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin. Our certified pest exterminators provide reliable, long-lasting solutions to eliminate nuisance fruit flies for homeowners and businesses. Our targeted pest treatments and recurring maintenance services will ensure your property remains pest-free throughout the year.
Are Fruit Flies Harmful?
Fruit flies are primarily a nuisance, but they can become a large infestation pretty quickly. Female fruit flies can lay around 500 eggs, which can hatch in as little as 24 hours! Fruit flies contaminate food with harmful bacteria and disease-causing pathogens. They can spoil foods more quickly by laying eggs on them. If not controlled promptly, a minor issue can quickly escalate into a severe fruit fly infestation.
How Can I Prevent Fruit Flies?
The following prevention tips will help deter fruit flies from your property.
- Excellent sanitation is the best way to prevent fruit flies.
- Keep fruits and vegetables from sitting on your countertops for a while.
- Store fruits and vegetables inside airtight containers or in the refrigerator.
- Inspect groceries, fruits, and vegetables before bringing them inside.
- Clean up crumbs, spills, and food debris.
- Regularly take out the garbage.
Fruit Fly FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Do fruit flies bite?
No, fruit flies do not bite or sting humans. They have sponge-like mouthparts used for sucking up juices, not for piercing skin and sucking blood. However, fruit flies can cause skin irritation in some people due to an allergic reaction to the bacteria they carry.
What is the life cycle of a fruit fly?
Fruit flies are short-lived insects that breed rapidly. Fruit flies undergo a four-stage life cycle, starting as eggs, then going through the larval and pupal stages before emerging as adults. Female fruit flies can lay up to 500 eggs. The length of the fruit fly's life cycle depends on the environment's temperature. Under ideal high temperatures, flies mature quickly and can complete their development in as little as a week. These flies are present year-round, but they are especially prolific in late summer and fall. Adult fruit flies can live up to 30 to 40 days.