Fruit Flies are Driving Us Crazy!

For the first time in our life, we encountered problem of getting rid of fruit flies! After a month or so of these tiny insects presence into our apartment, we decided to place fruits inside our refrigerator instead of the kitchen counter. My husband did all he can to get rid of them but to no avail. I am now waiting that they die after three days so I will be happy again spending time in our kitchen cooking! I have done some research and this is what I have found out about these insects.

by: Whitney Cranshaw

Vinegar flies, also known as small fruit flies, commonly develop in overripe or decaying fruit and vegetable matter. They are minute, light brown flies with orange-red eyes and rarely are they found very far from the fruit bowl. Numbers tend to build in late summer. If conditions are suitable and food is present, they may breed indoors.

Although associated with fruit, developing vinegar flies actually feed on yeasts. To eliminate a vinegar fly problem, use up overripe fruit, refrigerate it or discard it. At the same time, give attention to other breeding sites. Vinegar flies may, for example, breed in the moist residue that remains in the bottom of beer bottles or soft drink cans, as well as in other areas where moist organic matter allows for yeast growth. After all such food sources are removed, some residual adults may remain for a week or so, but ultimately will die out.

Photographs: Judy Sedbrook