Insects that make their way into homes can run the gamut from the beneficial and harmless to the downright deadly. Fruit flies belong to the former category; they are not harmful to humans or animals but are a nuisance to many homeowners. A chemical insecticide treatment, particularly when exercised alongside other, nonchemical control methods, can be very successful at removing your indoor fruit fly infestation.
Fruit flies, also called vinegar flies or pomace flies, are pervasive indoor pests in many homes. These tiny fly species are distinguished by their brown bodies and red eyes, though their small size makes them difficult to observe visually alone. Fruit flies are more frequently seen hovering around fruit that has been left out at room temperature or beer or soda that has begun to ferment due to being left out. Indoor and outdoor infestations of these pests are most common in late summer and early fall. The fruit fly is not to be confused with the drain fly, a species with which the fruit fly is sometimes erroneously identified.
Permethrin is the most common active chemical ingredient of pesticides that are labeled for fruit fly control. Other chemicals may exist as well, depending on state and local chemical regulations. Whichever pesticide you decide to use, make sure it is approved for fruit fly control and safe to use indoors.
The use of pesticides should always be approached with caution, but this is particularly so in the case of fruit flies. Insecticide resistance is a major problem in controlling fruit fly populations and may actually contribute to larger fruit fly populations that are more difficult to control. When considering the fact that nonpesticide options have been proven effective, the cases of an infestation so serious that a chemical pesticide is warranted are quite rare.
Simple cleanliness is your first line of defense against fruit flies. Flies seek mating grounds in overripe fruits and beer and soda containers, so not leaving fruit out at room temperature and washing out out all beer and soda cans and bottles before disposing of them will go a long way in preventing a fruit fly infestation. If cleanliness alone does not do the trick, sticky traps are also an effective and natural means for reducing an indoor fruit fly population.