By Bethzayda Matos

Graduate Research Assistant

Iowa State University Extension

Did you know that most of the knowledge about heredity and genetics has been learned at the expense of one insect? Fruit flies, commonly known in the scientific community as Drosophila melanogaster, are responsible for millions of scientific studies that have helped us learn about our heredity and genetic information. However, when fruit flies aren't advancing science, they like to hang around our kitchens and in the produce section of grocery stores or wherever overripe fruits and vegetables are located. In addition, they can swarm around leftover fruits in garbage cans and garbage disposals.

Biology

Adult fruit flies are tiny insects measuring approximately 1/8 inch long. Their small bodies have an orange-brown color and most species have red eyes. These tiny flies lay their eggs on the surface of over ripe fruit and when larvae emerge they feed in this same area. The small size of this insect allows for reproduction to be very fast, and given the opportunity, one female adult may lay about 500 eggs. Life from the egg through the adult may take up to a week.

Although we may only acknowledge their existence in our food, the development of this insect may occur wherever there is fermenting material. You may transport fruit flies from the supermarket or from your vegetable and fruit garden.

Control

Fruit flies can become a real problem because of their alternate habitats. If the fruit flies have previously been in the garbage can and then visit your fruits on the kitchen counter, they may contaminate food with bacteria. To prevent fruit fly infestations you must eliminate all produce food sources. Refrigerating or discarding produce should be the first practice of preventing fruit flies. If fruit juice is spilled, clean the spill soon because this can be a source of future infestations. Rinse all recyclable items and place the recycle bin far away from your kitchen or areas where you may keep non-refrigerated produce.

To eradicate established infestations, eliminate all potential breeding areas. Use cleaning products that eliminate all residues of possible fermenting material. If the infestation comes from areas like the kitchen sink, use dishwashing soap to clean the area. When infestations are in garbage areas, make sure to empty all the contents into a plastic bag that can be sealed and kept away from produce.

Just remember, an apple a day can’t keep fruit flies away!

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