Common fruit fly
Common fruit fly

Common fruit fly

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While the common fruit fly may be a nuisance in our kitchens and gardens, its impact extends far beyond the household. Understanding its behavior, impact on agriculture, and significance in research provides a fuller picture of this tiny yet influential insect. Whether you're battling an infestation or delving into genetic studies, the common fruit fly is a small creature with a big presence.

If you have been seeing small flies or gnats in your kitchen, they're probably fruit flies. Fruit flies can be a problem year round, but are especially common during late summer/fall because they are attracted to ripened or fermenting fruits and vegetables. 

Tomatoes, melons, squash, grapes and other perishable items brought in from the garden are often the cause of an infestation developing indoors. Fruit flies are also attracted to rotting bananas, potatoes, onions and other unrefrigerated produce purchased at the grocery store. This fact sheet will explain how infestations originate and how they can be prevented in your home or place of business. 

Biology and Behavior

Fruit flies are common in homes, restaurants, supermarkets and wherever else food is allowed to rot and ferment. Adults are about 1/8 inch long and usually have red eyes. The front portion of the body is tan and the rear portion is black. Fruit flies lay their eggs near the surface of fermenting foods or other moist, organic materials. Upon emerging, the tiny larvae continue to feed near the surface of the fermenting mass. This surface-feeding characteristic of the larvae is significant in that damaged or over-ripened portions of fruits and vegetables can be cut away without having to discard the remainder for fear of retaining any developing larvae. The reproductive potential of fruit flies is enormous; given the opportunity, they will lay about 500 eggs. The entire lifecycle from egg to adult can be completed in about a week. 

Fruit flies are especially attracted to ripened fruits and vegetables in the kitchen. But they also will breed in drains, garbage disposals, empty bottles and cans, trash containers, mops and cleaning rags. All that is needed for development is a moist film of fermenting material. Infestations can originate from over-ripened fruits or vegetables that were previously infested and brought into the home. The adults can also fly in from outside through inadequately screened windows and doors.

Fruit flies are primarily nuisance pests. However, they also have the potential to contaminate food with bacteria and other disease-producing organisms. 

Prevention

The best way to avoid problems with fruit flies is to eliminate sources of attraction. Produce which has ripened should be eaten, discarded or refrigerated. Cracked or damaged portions of fruits and vegetables should be cut away and discarded in the event that eggs or larvae are present in the wounded area. A single rotting potato or onion forgotten at the back of a closet, or fruit juice spillage under a refrigerator can breed thousands of fruit flies. So can a recycling bin stored in the basement which is never emptied or cleaned. 

People who can their own fruits and vegetables, or make wine, cider or beer should ensure that the containers are well sealed; otherwise, fruit flies will lay their eggs under the lid and the tiny larvae will enter the container upon hatching. Windows and doors should be equipped with tight-fitting (16 mesh) screens to help prevent adult fruit flies from entering from outdoors. 

The common fruit fly, scientifically known as Drosophila melanogaster, is a tiny insect that has gained considerable attention in both agriculture and scientific research. Known for its distinct yellow-brown body and red eyes, this fly is more than just a nuisance in homes and kitchens; it plays a significant role in the study of genetics, development, and disease.

Identification

Fruit flies are small, measuring about 1/8 inch in length. They have a characteristic appearance:

  • Body Color: Yellowish-brown with black rings on the abdomen.
  • Eyes: Bright red, though some variations exist.
  • Wings: Clear with a slight reddish hue.

Habitat and Behavior

Fruit flies are attracted to overripe, rotting, or fermenting fruits and vegetables. They are commonly found in kitchens, grocery stores, and fruit orchards. Their habitat is not limited to fruit; they can also be found in garbage bins, compost piles, and even drainpipes.