Flies are always unwelcome guests that seem to show up in our homes just to be a bother. There seems to always be a never-ending supply of them, especially in the warmer months. There are more than 100,000 different types of flies in the world, each with its own characteristics and behaviors. Fruit flies may be one of the most pestering types of fly and always keep pest control in Kittitas County on its toes, as they can be present year-round and reproduce quickly.
Fruit flies are small, with their oval bodies measuring in at only 1/8 inch long. They are tan or light brown in color with red eyes and a set of clear wings. Fruit flies have a lifespan of up to one month, and female fruit flies can lay up to 500 eggs. Fruit flies go through four rapid life stages: egg, maggot, pupa, and adult. Fruit flies, as their name suggests, mainly eat fruit and vegetables that are rotting.
How To Identify A Fruit Fly Infestation In Your Home
The only real sign of a fruit fly infestation is spotting fruit flies in your house. Mature fruit flies are often seen flying around kitchens and trashcans where their food source, rotting fruit or vegetables, is readily available. Young fruit flies can be seen crawling across surfaces, such as countertops and tables.
The Problem With Fruit Flies In Your Home
Fruit flies are more than just a nuisance. As fruit flies fly and crawl through your home, they spread bacteria. Wherever fruit flies go, they pick up micro-particles of everything they come into contact with, such as trash. This means that as they land on your food or cooking surfaces, they are depositing bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
Simple Yet Effective Fruit Fly Prevention Tips
The best home remedy for fruit flies is prevention. Preventing fruit flies from being attracted to your home can ensure that these pesky insects never get a foot in your door. Once an infestation starts, they are hard to fully get rid of because they reproduce so quickly and in such large numbers. Some simple, yet effective, fruit fly prevention tips include:
- Ensure that windows and doors are in working order and that insect screens are well maintained.
- Eat produce in a timely fashion and discard any produce that has begun to rot.
- Store fresh food in the refrigerator or within airtight containers.
- Regularly wipe down counters and clean food prep areas.
- Take out the trash routinely and avoid an overfull bin.
- Keep sink drains and garbage disposals clean and free of excess debris.
These simple steps go a long way in keeping fruit flies from being attracted to your Kittitas County home in the first place.
The Most Effective Fly Control For Your Home
If your Kittitas County home is already swarming with fruit flies, then the only way to effectively get rid of fruit flies is to work with a professional team, such as Prosite. We offer multiple pest control plans to cater to every need and every budget. At Prosite, our treatments have been carefully developed and are backed by science to guarantee results. After a thorough pest inspection, we treat your home for active pest problems and preventive treatments to avoid any re-infestations. For a professional pest control team that expertly protects your home year-round, reach out to Prosite today!