If you're noticing tiny, annoying little insects flying in and out of your peripheral vision or squealing in your ears, then you might have a fruit fly infestation on your hands. These pesky bugs are incredibly prolific, often overrunning kitchens in a matter of weeks. Even more frustrating, it can often be difficult to discern where they came from in the first place, much less how to start cutting down on their swarming numbers. If you're at a loss, you've come to the right place. In this guide, we'll walk you through the crash course on fruit flies, whether they pose any hidden danger to your health, and how to finally get rid of them.
How To Tell If It's Actually Fruit Flies In Your Home
To avoid confusion, here are the bullet points to help you identify the flies.
- Plain, tan, or light brown bodies
- Thin, translucent wings
- Bright, bulbous red eyes
As expected of their namesake, fruit flies are most often found swarming around fruits that have been left out to ripen. Of course, they'll eat any source of sugar they can find, mostly going after produce. Watch out for their tiny, white, wormlike larvae or eggs that infest such foods. If you spot them on grocery store shelves, you may not want to bring home any of that produce.
Is It Safe To Eat Something A Fruit Fly Has Touched?
Although there are no specific diseases linked to eating produce that has been fed on by fruit flies, it is still inadvisable as the insects often lay their eggs on them so that the larvae hatch right on top of an easy source of food. There is also the fact to consider that fruit flies usually prefer their fruits and vegetables on the overripe side, often even going after food that has already begun to rot. So, as a rule, if you notice fruit flies seem to have taken a liking to a particular piece of produce, you may well wish to abstain from eating it and dispose of it before it attracts even more of the prolific pests.
Natural Fruit Fly Prevention Tips For Homes In The Woodlands
Keep fruit flies at bay by following these standards:
- Practice proper food storage, storing leftovers promptly, and being careful not to leave out any fruits or vegetables for too long. Place produce in the refrigerator instead of on the counter.
- Practice proper garbage disposal, tying off trash bags securely, and using tight-fitting lids on your bins.
- Keep the kitchen generally clean, paying special attention to the sink and drains where food can slowly gather and begin to rot, attracting fruit flies.
- Watch out for signs of infested produce at the grocery store.
In the end, partner with the knowledgeable professionals at All-Safe Pest & Termite for ongoing guidance.
The Secret To Effective Fruit Fly Control For Your Home In The Woodlands
Although the prevention measures provided above are an excellent starting point, the prolific nature of the fruit fly's life cycle means it's incredibly challenging to take on an infestation by yourself. A single female fly can lay as many as five hundred eggs in its lifetime, and each one will hatch and mature in a matter of weeks. That's why ultimately, the quickest and most effective means of fruit fly control will always be to reach out to the professionals. At All-Safe Pest & Termite, we have the knowledge and expertise you need to kick these pesky insects out of your home once and for all. Reclaim control of your Woodlands home from these invasive little insects. All-Safe's certified technicians are only a call away.