These common flies are also called vinegar and pomace flies. They are widely distributed over the world. The most common species encountered is Drosophila melanogaster Meigen. These insects are of concern both as nuisance pests and as contaminators of food. Large populations can build up quickly in food service establishments. Food processing plants such as wineries, pickle plants and canneries consider Drosophila to be their most important pest.

Adults of this fly are about 3 mm. Long. Their eyes are red, the thorax is tan, and the abdomen is black on top and tray underneath.

Eggs are laid near the surface of fermenting materials such as fruit, dirty garbage containers, rotten vegetables or slime in drains. Minute larvae hatch from the eggs in about 30 hours and feed near the surface of the fermenting mass on which the eggs were laid. When mature the larvae move to a drier area and pupate.

Each adult female lays approximately 500 eggs. Thus, with a period of only 9 to 12 days from egg to adult, the reproductive potential of these flies is tremendous and very large numbers of them may appear in a short time.

Adult flies are strong fliers, having been known to travel as far as 6-1/2 miles within a 24-hour period. Populations tend to build during the summer, becoming very abundant at harvest time. Indoors, drosophila is frequently active at all times of the year. They are readily attracted to any number of materials, including ripened fruit and vegetables, fermenting products, empty bottles and cans, drains and garbage disposal areas, and any area where moisture has collected including mops and cleaning rags.

Control of Fruit Flies
Sanitation and habitat elimination are the keys to controlling fruit flies. In many instances, locating the source of the infestation may be difficult since they can be well concealed in and around plumbing and just about any area where moisture may collect. When the source cannot be found, the use of residual sprays and space sprays can be used to control the adults, but repeat applications will be necessary as long as the breeding source remains.

For the control of fruit and vinegar flies, elimination of the attractants and breeding areas is the most important control measure.

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