An infestation of fruit flies suggests rotting fruit or vegetation, stale beer or wine, blocked drains etc. somewhere close by.
The fruit flies are also known as vinegar flies and drain flies. Drosophila melanogaster is the common fruit fly and has been used extensively in the development of the science of genetics over the last fifty years because if it rapid breeding habits.
First find the fly breeding sites. Fruit flies are strongly attracted to fermenting liquid, with potential breeding sites including:
- In cracked floors that are frequently wet.
- In food material that builds up in clogged or partially clogged drains (look for “hidden” drains).
- In a mop that has remained damp and unused for several days.
- In drink bottles where residual liquid is fermenting, such as in a recycle bin.
- Under fridges and freezers. Look for spillage, floor drains, or food that may have fallen there.
- In unclean bins inside, or wheelie bins outside, particularly those with “juices” that might have leaked.
- Look for rotting or overripe fruits like bananas, tomatoes, apples, etc., or vegetables such as potatoes and onions.
- Check for soil with much organic matter that is contaminated by drain water.
Clean these areas to remove organic matter and odours that attract flies and provide food for breeding flies. Kiwicare Sorted cleaners are ideal for cleaning and removal of organic material around bins and drains.
Surface treatment using NO Bugs Indoor or NO Bugs Super will give long term control of flies by killing them when they land on the treated surfaces. Spray the surfaces that you see the flies land on; these are often the edges of doorways and window frames, light fittings, ceilings, tops of walls and wall corners.
It is more difficult to deal with fruit flies outside as it may not be possible to treat areas not within your control. However, there are ways to minimise the nuisance.
Remove or treat any decaying animal or vegetable matter that might provide food for the maggots (fly larvae) and adults. Check and clear drains.
Spray exterior walls, window frames, door frames, pergolas, bins and other fly alighting surfaces using NO Bugs Super.
Bins and compost heaps can be breeding sites and food attraction for fruit flies. Clean bins with Kiwicare Sorted Moss and Mould or Dirt and Grime and then treat with NO Bugs Super. Fruit flies around a compost bin suggests that the fruit and vegetable matter in the bin is too wet and fermenting as it composts. Treatment of the compost with an insecticide can help but it may be better to aerate the compost and protect it from rain.
It is best to keep flies from entering but this is often not possible even with mesh screens on windows and doors. Aerosol fly sprays can knock down fruit flies in a room but only work for a short time and people or pets in the room will be inhaling insecticide as well.
DO NOT SPRAY FRUIT OR VEGETABLES for consumption. Dispose of any ripe or rotting material which is likely to attract fruit flies.
A bait can be made up using NO Flies and sugar with a little vinegar. Place the bait well away from the house or outdoor living space so that flies are attracted away from you.
Deals with Fruit Flies
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