June 5, 2008 at 7:39 a.m.
Fruit flies in the home
Fruit flies in the home
One common question I get from people who call our Yard & Garden Line is, "How do I get rid of fruit flies?"
Most people are familiar with the common fruit fly and know that they are associated with overripe fruit. They call and say: "Help! I threw out the old bananas, so why are the fruit flies still here?" Maybe it's because they aren't fruit flies. There are several other kinds of small flying insects commonly found in homes that can easily be mistaken for fruit flies.
Fruit flies, fungus gnats, moth flies and humpbacked flies are all gnat-like insects that are almost impossible to tell apart without the use of a magnifying glass. And, without first determining what kind of fly it is, I can't tell people how to effectively control them.
Usually, I can make a pretty good guess what kind of fly is causing problems by just asking a few questions over the phone - but not always. Then, I have to ask people to mail a few of them to me, so I can take a look at them under magnification. Once the small fly is identified, I can suggest where to look for the source of the problem. In all cases, the breeding site must be found and eliminated in order to get rid of the flies.
Fruit flies are attracted to the odors of fermenting and rotting food. In addition to overripe fruit on the kitchen counter, this can be food or drink residue in sinks and garbage disposals, trash containers, soft-drink, wine and beer containers.
Many times fruit flies can be identified by their red eyes, which can be seen with a hand lens.
Fungus gnats are often brought into the home with the purchase of a new houseplant. These small gnats lay their eggs in the soil of houseplants that have been over-watered.
The wet soil of over-watered plants is the perfect environment for fungus to grow, which the fungus gnat's larvae feed on. They will also feed on decaying roots. The larvae mature into the adult gnats, and the cycle continues. They have long legs that can be seen with the use of a hand lens.
Moth flies, also known as drain flies, are most commonly found in bathrooms and kitchens, where they often lay their eggs in the slimy decaying matter that can build up in sink, shower and floor drains.
Under magnification, they can be identified by their fuzzy, moth-like appearance.
Humpbacked flies, also called phorid flies, also lay their eggs in decaying organic matter, like the slime in drains, or garbage residue in trash cans, cracks in kitchen counters or under appliances.
They can sometimes be identified by their habit of running on flat surfaces, instead of flying. As their name implies, they have a humpbacked appearance.
Effective control of all of the flies mentioned here is good sanitation.
Any damp organic matter around the home can harbor fungi that will attract these small flies.
Flush drains regularly and remove any slimy build-up with a drain brush and drain cleaner.
Line kitchen trash containers with bags and remove them from the home on a daily basis. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables before they get overripe, or keep them in the refrigerator.
Rinse bottles and cans before putting them in the recycling bin. Rinse out mops after each use. Water houseplants only when the soil surface becomes dry to the touch.
Much of the information in this article appears on the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's Web site in the publication "Small Flies" by Jeffrey Hahn, University of Minnesota Extension entomologist.
Although the publication is one of a series regarding insect pests in schools, the information is pertinent to home infestations, as well.
Go to the link www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/
pestmanagement/ipm/ipmpubs.htm and page down to the article "Small Flies" under the heading "Insects."
If you have a yard or garden or home insect pest question, you can call our voicemail number and leave a message at 651-213-8904. A Chisago County Master Gardener will do the necessary research and call you back with helpful information.
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