Insect – Low risk
Fruit fly
The fruit fly, or Drosophila, is that tiny insect that swarms around ripe fruit and trash cans. Attracted by fermentation, it reproduces at an astonishing rate and invades kitchens and bars in just a few days.
2 to 4 mm · Yellowish-brown, red eyes
§1Distinctive features
How to identify it
The fruit fly measures 2 to 4 mm, with a yellowish-brown body and distinctive large red eyes. Its wings are transparent, and its flight is slow and erratic. It is often mistaken for a midge, but it stays close to the fruit.
§2Habitat
Where to find it
They can be found in kitchens, near fruit baskets, trash cans, recycling bins, and drains. Bars, restaurants, and grocery stores are common targets. Any sugary or fermented residue becomes an ideal place for them to lay their eggs.
§3Reproduction
Lifecycle
Without intervention, an infestation can double in size in just a few weeks.
§4What to look out for
Signs of infestation
- Small flies buzzing around ripe fruit
- Insects near trash cans and drains
- Swarms above the recycling bins
- Slow, erratic flight in the kitchen
§5Why act fast
Risks
- Bacterial Contamination of Food
- Explosive growth in just a few days
- Growth of Yeast and Mold
§6Prevention
How to avoid it
- Store the fruit in the refrigerator
- Empty and clean the trash cans often
- Clean drains and sinks regularly
- Remove any sugary or fermented residue
§7Pro method
How MW works
Inspection
Inspect infested areas to locate egg-laying sites: fruit, trash cans, drains, and recycling bins.
Preparation
Elimination of attractants and thorough cleaning of contaminated surfaces and drains.
Treatment
Apply targeted treatments and set traps to eliminate adults and break the life cycle.
Follow-up
Follow-up and recommendations to prevent reinfestation and maintain a healthy environment.
§8We answer you
Frequently asked questions
How do you get rid of fruit flies?
Remove ripe fruit, clean out trash cans and drains, and then set traps. A pest control professional can break the cycle for good.
Where do fruit flies come from?
They come from eggs laid on fruit or fermented scraps, which are often brought home from the grocery store already contaminated.
Are fruit flies dangerous?
They don’t sting, but they contaminate food by carrying bacteria and yeast from one surface to another.
React quickly, sleep well.
The longer the infestation lasts, the more expensive it becomes.