Crops Affected: In-home use

States Affected: All states

Life Cycle: Fruit flies lay their eggs near the surface of fermenting foods or moist organic materials. The emerging tiny larvae continue to feed close to the surface. The entire process from egg to adult can take about a week. Fruit flies are particularly attracted to ripe fruits and vegetables in the kitchen, but they can also breed in drains, garbage disposals, empty bottles, cans, trash containers, mops, and cleaning rags. Any moist film of fermenting material is sufficient for their development. Infestations can start from overripe fruits or vegetables that were previously infested and brought into the home, or they can fly in through doors and windows.

Damage: Fruit flies are primarily a nuisance pest, but they can also pose a risk of contaminating food with bacteria and other disease-causing microorganisms.

Season to Trap: Year-round, less in winter.

How To Use: Poke the holes in the top of the trap with included stick to activate. Vinegar flies and fruit flies are attracted to the scent in the trap. Once they land in the liquid, they become stuck, never to to mate or lay eggs again. The attractant is food-grade and the trap is safe to use around kitchen, pantry, or anywhere else in your home that these pests are active. Replace every 30 days for optimal effectiveness.

Additional IPM Solutions: To address the issue effectively, it's crucial to remove sources of attraction. Killing the adult fruit flies won't suffice if breeding sites remain uncleaned or present. Common breeding sites include trash cans, garbage disposals, and fresh produce stored on countertops. Install tight-fitting (16 mesh) screens on windows and doors to prevent adult fruit flies from entering indoors. For those who can their own fruits and vegetables or make beverages like wine, cider, or beer, ensuring tightly sealed containers is essential. Otherwise, fruit flies may lay eggs under the lid, and the tiny larvae will enter upon hatching.