Why Fruit Fly Infestations Happen & What You Can Do to Prevent Them

Fruit flies are those tiny little pests that seem to pop up out of nowhere, especially in the kitchen. But why do fruit fly infestations happen, when are they most likely to occur, and why won’t professional pest control services eliminate them? Let’s take a closer look at fruit flies and how to prevent these pests from infesting your kitchen and other parts of your home.

Why fruit fly infestations happen

Fruit flies are attracted to anything fermenting or decaying, making your kitchen an ideal spot for them if food is left out, especially fruits and vegetables. 

Here’s what attracts fruit flies:

• Overripe or rotting fruit and vegetables
  Fruit flies are particularly drawn to fruits like bananas, tomatoes, and grapes as they ripen.
  
  
• Fermenting liquids
  Spilled juice, alcohol, and vinegar can attract these pests.
  
  
• Dirty drains and garbage disposals
  Organic buildup in drains provides a perfect breeding ground for fruit flies.
  
  
• Trash bins
  Uncovered trash or compost bins offer plenty of food scraps to keep them happy.
  
  

Fruit flies reproduce quickly

Unfortunately, a small fruit fly problem can quickly become a more significant infestation. Females lay hundreds of eggs at a time, and the eggs hatch into larvae within 24-30 hours. The cycle continues to repeat every few days. 

When fruit fly problems are more likely to develop

Fruit fly infestations can happen year-round but are far more common in the late summer and early fall. Warmer weather allows them to breed faster, and with more food sources available, they thrive. Homes that have fresh fruits and vegetables on display or food scraps left out are especially vulnerable during this time of year.

Fruit fly infestations can occur during the winter months and often leave property owners puzzled, especially since they aren’t cold-weather friendly. Here are a few factors that can contribute to their presence in your home during the winter:

• The temperature is right
  Maine homes are heated during winter, creating a warm environment that may be conducive to fruit flies. 
  
  
• Humidity lures them in
  Humid homes provide ideal conditions for fruit fly development. 
  
  
• There’s no shortage of breeding sites
  Those places where fruit flies lurk and breed during the warmer months are the same sites in winter. 
  
  

Why professional pest control won’t work

Unlike some pests, fruit flies don’t build nests. They lay eggs in various places, including drains, trash bins, and even on exposed food. Because their breeding sites are often small, scattered, and easily overlooked, traditional pest control methods aren’t effective in eliminating them.

Even if you manage to kill the adults, the real problem lies with the eggs and larvae, which are likely to be hiding out of sight. This is why a professional pest control service won’t eliminate the problem—there’s no centralized nest to destroy.

How to prevent fruit flies

While professional pest control may not be the answer, you can take several simple steps to prevent fruit flies from infesting your home, no matter the season. Here are a few fruit fly prevention tips to try: 

• Keep fruit and vegetables stored properly
  Ripe fruit should be stored in the refrigerator or in sealed containers. Vegetables like onions and potatoes should be kept in cool, dark places.
  
  
• Clean up spills immediately
  Wipe down countertops and clean up any spills, especially sugary drinks or alcohol, as soon as they happen.
  
  
• Take out the trash regularly
  Make sure your trash cans have tight-fitting lids and empty them often, especially if they contain food scraps.
  
  
• Clean your drains
  Remove buildup with a drain brush. Then, pour boiling water down your drains regularly to clear out any organic matter that could attract fruit flies. Consider using a drain-cleaning solution as well. 
  
  
• Make fruit fly traps
  A simple homemade trap, using a small dish of apple cider vinegar and a drop of dish soap, can lure fruit flies in and trap them.

Fruit flies are annoying but relatively easy to prevent if you take the proper steps. You can stop these pests from taking over by keeping your kitchen clean, storing food properly, and being mindful of where fruit flies might be hiding. 

Contact Pine State Pest Solutions 

While professional pest control may not be the solution for fruit flies, Pine State Pest Solutions offers effective and affordable home pest control services in Auburn, Freeport, and throughout several Maine counties that eliminate insects and rodents and prevent new infestations from developing. Check out our Home Protection plan below, or call us for more information! 

Home Protection Plan

Starting as low as $35/month*