New Plymouth fruit flies get their name from the ripe or fermenting fruit they feed on. They can even smell a ripe or fermenting fruit or vegetable from 3/4 of a mile away. Fruit flies are very small, only 1/8″ long. Their bodies are tan in color and they can have either black or red eyes.
Dangers
Fruit flies can be a potential health concern. Like other flies, they can carry disease and bacteria on their bodies. Since fruit flies are often found on or around food, they can easily transfer this bacteria onto the food you eat or onto food preparation areas. Fruit flies are known to cause illnesses resulting in diarrhea. Unfortunately, a fruit fly infestation could cause a trip to Valley Family Health Care.
New Plymouth fruit flies may enter your home through screens, cracks in siding or any small crevice they can fit through. Fruit flies will also be attracted to your property if you have a garden with ripening fruit and vegetables. They can get into your home if you buy fruit or vegetables with the flies or their larvae on it. Even though fruits and vegetables are fruit flies favorite, they will eat any moist organic matter. Because of this, they’re often found breeding inside of drains. They will even eat decaying matter left behind on a sponge.
Prevention
The easiest way to get rid of fruit flies is throwing away any fruit when it becomes too ripe to eat. It also helps to store fruit in the fridge. Even if the fruit gets overripe inside the fridge, it will deter flies from getting to the fruit. One DIY solution uses vinegar and dish soap mixed together in a bowl that you leave on the counter near your fruit. The vinegar will attract the flies while the dish soap keeps them from being able to fly. Make sure to take your garbage out regularly and keep your kitchen clean.
If you are experiencing an uncontrollable New Plymouth fruit fly infestation, or have problems with any other pest, don’t hesitate to give Get Lost Pest Control a call!