Fruit Flies ‘Most Problematic’ Fly Species, PCOs Report

 

According to those who responded to a recent PCT reader poll, 46 percent chose fruit flies as the most problematic fly species in their service area, while 26 percent indicated drain/moth flies were most problematic, ahead of phorid flies (24 percent) and fungus gnats (4 percent).

 

Tom Dobrinska, technical service manager (residential/vector) for Rentokil, Des Plaines, Ill., said fruit flies, specifically dark-eyed fruit flies, are the species he encounters most frequently. “And they linger, like an in-law or one of your annoying friends, they just don't leave,” he said. “Additionally, their presence is just enough to be a nuisance, but not enough to create immediate action.” 

 

Dobrinska said that unlike the red eye fruit fly that harbors in freshly fermenting organic matter – as wel as the drain fly and phorid fly that prefers organic matter a bit more rancid – the dark-eyed fruit fly will harbor in these blended environments that make up the rest of the moist organic matter that flies prefer. These microenvironments are abundant, and they are typically found in hard-to-reach undisturbed areas, Dobrinska added. “This certainly requires a ‘leave no stone unturned’ inspection,” he said. “If you or your technician are unable to dedicate the time and tenacity to find these many breeding sources and address them adequately, these infestations will continue to linger.”

 

Dennis Weiss, technical supervisor, Saela, Orem, Utah, also cited fruit flies as pest fly No. 1, both in residential and commercial settings. “From drains to grocery packaging, we’ve seen fruit flies take off as a nuisance pest. More and more for residential customers, I’ve seen farmer’s market produce packaging be an emerging source- as more fresh, local produce moves around, I see more of the transit and packaging material end up carrying flies (like totes, reusable bags, etc.) when it hasn’t been cleaned or stored properly.”

 

On the commercial side, Weiss said multi-unit housing has been on the rise for fly issues and that the typical source is the neighbors, although any sanitation issues cause a new source to spring up quickly. “Fruit flies tend to have a major sanitation issue as the source- very rarely will a treatment or even a one-time cleaning solve the issue for good,” he said. “When it comes to callbacks or recurrence, fruit flies require a systemic long-term change to control properly. Too often, I’ve seen customers only want a one-and-done service for fruit flies, or even a chemical or drain treatment when a simple cleaning out of a garbage can may solve the issue.”