Spencer Pest Services will be operating under the Rocket Pest Control brand going forward. You're still in the right place to schedule pest control services!

Fruit Flies

What do fruit flies look like?

Fruit flies are a small species of fly with adults only growing to be about 1/8th of an inch in length. Many people associate fruit flies with their bright red eyes, although some species have less vibrant brown or black colored eyes. The fruit fly’s wings are translucent and their bodies range in color from yellowish-brown to brownish-black. Fruit fly larvae are worm-like in appearance and are about 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch long. Their head is tapered at the head end of their body and is rounded at the hind-end. The larvae are whitish in color except for their two dark colored mouth hooks.

fruit fly

Are common fruit flies dangerous?

Fruit flies have been aptly named for their love of overly ripened fruit and other fermenting materials. Fruit flies are definitely a nuisance to have in your home, but they are considered to be a danger as well because of their ability to spread bacteria. Like other species of flies, fruit flies will pick up bacteria and diseases as they feed on rotting materials, spreading them as they travel throughout your home.

Why do I have a fruit fly problem?

Small fruit flies often get into homes through produce and other food items that are purchased at a grocery store or farmers market and are already infested with adult fruit flies, their larvae, or their eggs. Fruit flies also commonly enter into homes through screens that have holes or rips in them, through the spaces found around windows and doors, and through gaps found under exterior doors. Also, this species of fly is highly attracted to properties that have vegetable gardens, fruit trees, and compost piles on them.

How do you get rid of fruit flies?

Preventing them from coming inside in the first place is the best way to avoid fruit flies. At Spencer Pest Services, our belief is that it’s much easier to prevent than to control. We’ll work with you to create a pest control program that discourages fruit flies and other common home-invading pests. If you’re already infested with fruit flies, we can help with treatment that is safe for people and pests. Contact us today to learn more about our home pest control services in Greenville and throughout Upstate South Carolina and northern Georgia.

Fruit fly prevention tips

Fruit flies tend to live and invade in large numbers making preventing an infestation a difficult task. But there are some things that you can do in and around your home to deter these tiny, pesky flies from invading it and living inside comfortably. Fruit fly prevention tips include:

  • Inspect fruits and vegetables for signs of fruit flies before bringing them home from the grocery or farmers market. Try not to purchase fruits and vegetables that are already ripe.
  • Store produce inside of the refrigerator instead of out in the open on your kitchen counter or table.
  • Get rid of overripe fruits and vegetables from your home as quickly as possible. Pick up fallen fruits and vegetables from garden areas as quickly as possible.
  • Remove garbage from your home daily and store it outside in containers with tight-fitting or locking lids until trash pick-up day.
  • Try not to leave sinks full of dirty dishes overnight or for long periods of time.

For more information on how Spencer Pest Services eliminates fruit flies from homes and businesses, please contact us today. 

Proudly serving the Upstate of South Carolina, northern Georgia, and portions of North Carolina.