Fruit Flies 101: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding And Dealing With Them In Hickory
September 12, 2023
Fruit flies are tiny flying insects that can cause a lot of problems if they invade your home. These small creatures can multiply quickly and infest your home in overwhelming numbers. At Go-Forth Pest Control, we have seen countless homeowners struggle to eliminate a fly infestation. Our local fly control experts have been serving the Hickory area for years, and we know the best way to get the fruit flies out of your home for good.
Fruit Flies vs. Gnats: How To Tell The Difference
Fruit flies and gnats are small flying insects commonly found in residential kitchens. Many people have difficulty telling these two bugs apart, but each has a few unique characteristics that can help you identify each fly.
The gnat and the fruit fly usually measure around ⅛ an inch long. However, gnats usually have thin black bodies with long, flat legs. The fruit fly looks more like a small house fly. They have tan or gray bodies with large, red eyes.
Another thing that sets these two animals apart is their behavior. Fruit flies like to hang around rotten fruit where they can lay their eggs. They also like moist areas and can be found in drains, garbage cans, and other areas with wet and rotting objects. Gnats also like moist areas, but you can usually find them swarming around moist, organic objects, like plants and moist soil in the potted plants. Because there are many places inside your home where fruit flies and gnats like to hang around, having a comprehensive home fly control solution is essential for every homeowner.
Are Fruit Flies Harmful? Understanding The Health Risks
Many homeowners mistakenly think that because fruit flies cannot bite or sting, they are harmless to humans. And while these flying insects may not be able to cause immediate pain to humans or animals, they are far from harmless.
Fruit flies are disgusting insects that can carry a variety of bacteria and harmful pathogens on their bodies. When they eat or lay eggs inside of the fresh produce in your home, they could contaminate the food with harmful pathogens. If you see fruit flies in your home, it is crucial you team up with a fly exterminator as soon as possible. If they can hang around your house long enough to contaminate your food, you could end up contracting a variety of illnesses, such as listeriosis, E. coli infections, and salmonellosis.
Preventing Fruit Flies: Tips For Proper Food Storage And Hygiene
Fruit flies are an invasive type of fly. The best way to achieve total fly control for your house is to prevent these little bugs from entering your home in the first place. To keep fruit flies away from your home, you should do the following:
- Empty the trash can inside your home often.
- Wipe off countertops and tables to ensure no spills or food crumbs are left behind.
- Store all fresh produce in the refrigerator or an air-tight container.
- Make sure your drains and garbage disposals are clean and free of food debris.
If you constantly see fruit flies hanging around your home, call a fly control specialist. A professional pest control technician will be able to determine why you have a fly infestation in your home.
Getting Rid Of A Fruit Fly Problem: When To Call In The Experts
If you are looking for expert fly control in Hickory, Go-Forth Pest Control is here to help. We know how to quickly and permanently remove the flies from your home. Give us a call today to schedule your no-obligation consultation.
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