Fruit flies themselves are not harmful to humans in terms of causing direct physical harm. They do not bite or sting. However, they can be a nuisance and can potentially contaminate food with bacteria and other microorganisms they carry on their bodies. Fruit flies are known to breed rapidly in decaying organic matter and can quickly become a problem in homes and food storage areas. Managing their populations through proper sanitation and effective pest control measures is important to prevent issues with food hygiene and cleanliness.

Fruit flies are typically attracted to ripe or fermenting fruits and vegetables, as well as other decaying organic matter. Common causes of fruit flies in the house include:

Overripe fruits and vegetables: Fruit flies are particularly attracted to fruits that are past their prime and beginning to ferment.

Uncovered or poorly sealed garbage bins: Rotting food scraps in uncovered bins can attract fruit flies.

Spilled or forgotten food: Any food spills or leftovers that are not cleaned up promptly can become a breeding ground for fruit flies.

Moist environments: Fruit flies thrive in moist environments such as kitchen sinks, drains, and mop buckets where organic matter can accumulate.

Houseplants: Overwatered houseplants or those with decaying leaves can also attract fruit flies.

Controlling fruit flies involves eliminating their food sources, improving sanitation practices, and using traps or deterrents to manage their population effectively.

Several factors can contribute to a large number of flies in a house:

Food sources: Flies are attracted to food residues, crumbs, and spills. Leftover food, uncovered trash bins, and poorly stored food can attract flies indoors.

Moisture: Flies, particularly house flies, are attracted to moisture and organic matter that can support larval development. Areas like leaky faucets, damp mop buckets, or standing water can create breeding grounds for flies.

Decaying organic matter: Flies, including fruit flies and house flies, breed in decaying organic materials such as garbage, compost piles, and pet waste.

Entry points: Flies can enter homes through open doors, windows without screens, or cracks in walls. They can also be brought in through items like groceries or plants.

Warm weather: Flies are more active and reproduce faster in warm temperatures, leading to increased populations during summer months.

To reduce flies in the house, it’s important to eliminate their food and breeding sources, maintain cleanliness, seal entry points, and consider using traps or deterrents if needed.

Exterminators use several methods to effectively get rid of flies, depending on the type of flies and the severity of the infestation. Here are some common techniques exterminators may use:

Identification and Inspection: Exterminators start by identifying the type of flies and locating their breeding sources. This helps them determine the most effective treatment approach.

Sanitation: One of the first steps is to eliminate or reduce the food and breeding sources of flies. This may involve cleaning up food spills, properly disposing of garbage, and addressing any areas with decaying organic matter.

Chemical Treatments: Exterminators may use insecticides in targeted areas where flies are active or breeding. These treatments may be applied as sprays, baits, or foggers depending on the situation and the type of flies.

Fly Traps: Various types of traps can be used to capture flies, including sticky traps, light traps, and pheromone traps. These traps help reduce fly populations by attracting and trapping them.

Exclusion: Exterminators may recommend sealing or repairing entry points where flies are entering the property. This prevents new flies from entering and helps maintain long-term control.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM): IPM techniques focus on using a combination of methods such as sanitation, exclusion, and minimal pesticide use to manage pests effectively while minimizing environmental impact.

Exterminators tailor their approach based on the specific circumstances of the infestation and ensure that treatments are applied safely and effectively to control fly populations in homes or businesses.

The cost of hiring an exterminator to treat for flies can vary based on several factors, including the severity of the infestation, the type of flies involved, the size of the property, and the region where you live. Here are some general cost considerations:

Initial Inspection: Many exterminators offer a free or low-cost initial inspection to assess the extent of the fly problem and recommend a treatment plan.

Treatment Costs: The actual cost of treatment can range widely. For a moderate fly infestation, you might expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $300 or more for a single treatment. This can vary based on the methods used (e.g., chemical treatments, traps) and the size of the area being treated.

Follow-up Treatments: In some cases, multiple treatments may be needed to completely eradicate the fly problem. Exterminators may offer discounted rates for follow-up visits or bundle treatments into a package.

Service Contracts: Some exterminators offer annual or quarterly service contracts for ongoing pest control, which can help prevent future fly infestations and may include additional services for other pests.

Additional Costs: Additional costs may include any necessary repairs or modifications to prevent future infestations, as well as the cost of any recommended sanitation improvements.

It’s advisable to get multiple quotes from reputable pest control companies in your area to compare prices and services. Prices can also vary based on whether you’re hiring a local independent exterminator or a larger pest control company.