In Reply to: Re: Fruit Flies -Ewwwww - yuck! posted by Elise on August 10, 1998 at 11:12:23:

I found this at ask.com, good luck!

Fruit Flies! How can I get rid of them?
Fruit Flies, Vinegar Flies, Pomace Flies
Fruit flies are small, red-eyed, 1/4 inch long flies commonly associated with overripe and fermenting fruits and vegetables. However, fruit need not be present to have fruit flies, as they can originate from other sources.

Fruit flies can reproduce anywhere there is fermenting organic matter that stays consistently wet or moist. Like other flies, the fruit flies develop >from larvae, and fruit fly larvae must have moist, fermenting organic matter in order to survive. The most likely of such sites in the home is a slow-moving or seldom-used sink, bathtub, shower, or floor drain in which a layer of slime (gelatinous film) has built up above the water line. Other moist accumulations of fermenting organic matter are possible and should be considered. These include wet areas under dripping pipes and refrigeration equipment, garbage containers, and discarded bottles and cans. Regardless of where the flies originate, they will be seen at windows and at sinks, as they are attracted to light and to moisture.

Fruit flies are best controlled by locating and eliminating the source of the infestation. Persistent presence of fruit fly adults indicates the larvae are developing nearby. Fly breeding areas are occasionally very difficult to locate and perseverance and imagination will be required. Refer to the list of possible breeding sites given above. One way to check individual drains is to cover the drain with a plastic film (e.g., "Saran Wrap"®) taped to the floor or fixture. If the flies are breeding in that drain, the adults will accumulate underneath the film within a day or two.

The most effective method to eliminate fruit flies developing in drains is to clean the inside of the drain pipe to eliminate the organic matter. Clean slow-moving drains with a stiff brush or other tool. Drains that cannot be scrubbed can be rinsed with water under high pressure or "sterilized" by slowly pouring boiling water down along the sides of the drain pipe. Another possibility is the use of a bacterial drain treatment that biodegrades the organic matter. Follow label directions carefully for best results. There is no benefit to treating drains with bleach or ammonia.

Household insecticide sprays for flying insects can be used to eliminate the adult flies that are present at the time of treatment but this will be only a temporary relief at best. Eradication will require eliminating the source of the infestation. For many people, fruit flies are a temporary annoyance and the flies eventually disappear on their own without a source ever being determined.

Put Atlantic Exterminating Company Inc. to work for you today. We'll get right to work eliminating fruit flies from your home.

CONTACT US - HOME

Prepared by Donald Lewis, Extension Entomologist
Department of Entomology, Iowa State University,
Ames, Iowa. Before reprinting this information,
please read the usage policy.

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: : Help. I have been attacked by millions of fruit flies in my kitchen. Have refridgerated all fruit and have non on counters, etc. Cannot get rid of. Taking all suggestions.

: Hi!

: I live in Gainesville, GA and I have a huge problems with these so called fruit flies in my kitchen also. 2 years ago I had a problem with miller bugs or moths in my pantry. This year it's fruit flies. I stopped buying bananas because of them. I'm keeping my other fresh fruits and veggies in the fridge. But I'm like you. Who likes cold fresh fruits & veggies? Anyway, I looked up gnats & fruit flies on the net and found out a way to attract and kill the little pests. Here are some solutions.
: 1) Paint a milk carton with a bright color such as orange or yellow and rub sticky oil on it. The bright color will attract the flies and they will stick to the oil and die.

: 2) Get a drinking bottle with a lid. Put a fruit peel in the bottom. Put the lid on and stick a straw through a hole in the lid. Make sure the straw is about an inch away from the bottom of the bottle. Seal the hole around the straw. The flies are attracted to the fruit peel and cannot fly back up the straw to get out.

: These are just a couple of suggestions. I'm still trying to find a way to just eliminate them. If I find a really good one I will let you know.

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