Fruit flies not only invade homes across Knoxville, TN; they also infest restaurants and other businesses in areas from Downtown to Cumberland Avenue to Broadway. These nuisance pests multiply quickly and are hard to eliminate once they’ve taken over a space. Active Pest Control has the scoop on these pests and how to get rid of them for good.

How to Spot a Fruit Fly Infestation

A fruit fly has red eyes and a tan thorax, making it easily identifiable from gnats and other small flies. Though it’s often found on fruits and garbage, you can also spot this pest near sink drains and garbage disposals where dozens are breeding and hiding. These pests lay as many as 500 eggs at one time, causing a rapid infestation within a couple days after hatching.

How to Get Rid of Fruit FliesUse fly baits and traps.

Fly baits and traps capture the flies when they land on the sticky surface. Some traps release chemicals into the air, killing the flies where they breed. Use these traps near infestation spots to help eliminate the pests from your business.

Create a clean environment.

It’s important to clean up leftover food on the counter, including any sink drains and floor drains that may contain rotting food. Wipe down the counters and other food areas after every use, and refrigerate the fruits and veggies to keep them off the counters and away from flies.

Hire a commercial pest control professional.

Over-the-counter sprays, baits, and traps don’t always provide effective results, as fruit flies populate fast and cause sanitation issues if not handled immediately. Schedule an inspection with a pest control professional to identify and to eliminate these flies before they multiply into a serious problem.