Fruit flies on watermelon
Fruit flies have gathered to feed on a discarded watermelon that is on the green grass

The Quickest Way to Get Rid of Fruit Flies in Virginia

You’re outside enjoying a relaxing day of lounging by a pool when you notice that something is amiss: tiny black flies are swarming your fruit salad. No need to panic; there are plenty of fast and easy ways to get rid of these pests! When fruit flies start multiplying in your kitchen, you’ll be glad to know that there are quick and easy ways to get rid of them. With the right products and a little time, you can banish these pesky pests from your home and keep them from coming back. Here are some of the quickest ways to get rid of fruit flies in Virginia.

FAQs About Getting Rid Of Fruit Flies

Fruit flies are like pesky little gnats that dart around your fruit bowl and kitchen sink. There are hundreds of different species, but they all have one thing in common: They’re a pain. Fruit flies usually appear during the summer months when fruits and vegetables ripen faster. Learn about what attracts fruit flies, how you can get rid of them, and other FAQs about fruit flies here. What do fruit flies look like? Fruit flies are small black or gray insects with red eyes. Adult fruit flies are less than 1⁄4 inch long, while larvae grow up to 1⁄2 inch long (or longer). Fruit fly larvae are clear with a dark head and visible legs. What causes fruit fly infestation? Fruit flies lay their eggs on overripe fruits and vegetables. Once hatched, fruit fly larvae feed on decaying organic matter such as plant matter, fruit peels, rotting food scraps, etc. Fruit flies thrive in warm conditions so make sure your house is well-ventilated to prevent these pests from breeding indoors. How do I get rid of fruit flies?

How Do You Know If You Have Fruit Flies

A sure sign that you have fruit flies is their signature buzzing, though sometimes they can be mistaken for mosquitos, fungus gnats, drain flies, and phorid flies. While most people will simply refer to all of these pests as fruit flies, a professional pest control expert can properly identify which pest is flying around your kitchen or bathroom. Proper identification is critical to know which pest you are battling, their food sources, and finding the location.

If you’ve been seeing fruit flies but aren’t sure if they are truly fruit flies, keep an eye out for these telltale signs:

Fruit flies like to lay their eggs in moist or decaying organic matter, including food left over on your countertops or in your garbage can.

Fruit Fly Eggs: Fruit fly eggs look like tiny little grains of rice and stick together in clusters. When hatched into larvae, these eggs will create a fine webbing on walls and other surfaces as well as excrete brown liquid droppings.

Fruit Fly Larvae: The larvae of fruit flies are small worms with maggot-like bodies and no legs.

How Do You Get Rid of Fruit Flies Fast

Here are just a few of our favorite tricks for getting rid of fruit flies fast. You’ll be back on track in no time.

  • Fruit Fly Trap - The fastest way to get rid of fruit flies fast is with a fruit fly trap, like those found at most grocery stores. Simply place one or two of these traps near your fruit bowl or other areas where you’ve noticed an infestation, and within days, they should be gone!
  • Vinegar Trap - Another quick way to get rid of fruit flies is with vinegar.
  • Lemon Juice - A simple mixture of lemon juice and water can also work wonders against fruit flies.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar - Apple cider vinegar is another natural remedy that can kill fruit flies quickly and effectively.

How To Prevent Fruit Fly Infestation In Future

Fruit flies are generally harmless and won’t bother you. However, it’s annoying to have them buzzing around your kitchen and flying into your face. And, while fruit flies are harmless, they can spread dangerous pathogens such as salmonella.

Fruit flies are attracted to sweet smells, so one way to prevent them from getting into your home is by storing any fruit or garbage in a cool place away from windows. Any exposed food should be tightly covered with plastic wrap or stored inside closed containers that do not let out any food odors. Fruit flies (also known as vinegar fruit flies) are small insects that feed on overripe or fermenting fruit. They also lay their eggs on damp surfaces such as countertops, sinks, drains and even pet bowls!

Need Help Getting Rid Of Fruit Flies?

Many homeowners and restaurants struggle to eliminate fruit fly and other small fly issues. A professional exterminator such as the experts at My Pest Pros can help correctly identify the problem, find the source, and treat it to quickly eliminate the problem. Call us today at 703-665-4454 to get rid of fruit flies in Virginia!