Support our educational content for free when you purchase through links on our site. Learn more
How Long Does it Take for a Fruit Fly Infestation to Go Away? [2023]
Fruit flies are the most common and annoying kitchen pests that can replicate very quickly, and infestations can grow to be a significant problem if not taken care of in time. When you have a fruit fly infestation, it's important to get rid of it as soon as possible.
In this article, we will be thoroughly discussing how long it takes for a fruit fly infestation to go away. Additionally, we will answer frequently asked questions and share quick tips and facts on how to eliminate fruit flies completely. Our team of expert pest exterminators has conducted extensive research to provide you with the most effective ways to get rid of fruit flies quickly.
Quick Tips and Facts
Here are some quick tips and facts to help you get started with exterminating fruit flies:
- Fruit flies can reproduce quickly, with females laying up to 500 eggs at a time.
- The life cycle of a fruit fly typically lasts around two weeks.
- Fruit flies can live up to 30 days.
- They are attracted to organic material and prefer moist environments.
- To prevent fruit flies, keep your kitchen clean and store ripe produce in the refrigerator.
How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies?
Before we dive into how long fruit fly infestations take to go away, it’s important to understand how to get rid of these pests. There are several effective ways to keep fruit flies at bay and eliminate them altogether.
Prevention
Prevention is key when it comes to fruit fly infestations. To prevent fruit flies from entering your home, here are a few tips:
- Store all fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator.
- Don’t leave any fruit or vegetables out on the counter.
- Clean your drains regularly.
- Keep your garbage cans sealed and take out the garbage regularly.
- Use garbage disposals only when necessary.
- Wipe down counters, sinks, and appliances regularly.
- Clean up all spills and food debris immediately.
Trapping Fruit Flies
If you already have a fruit fly infestation, trapping can be an effective method of getting rid of them. Here are some successful types of traps:
- Apple cider vinegar trap: Fill a container like an old jar with apple cider vinegar. Cover the top with plastic wrap and poke a few holes. The fruit flies will be attracted to the scent of the vinegar and fly into the holes, but won’t be able to escape.
- Red wine trap: Pour red wine into a container with a narrow opening, like a bottle. The fruit flies will be attracted to the scent of the wine and fly in but won’t be able to escape.
- Sticky tape traps: Use double-sided tape or flypaper to catch fruit flies.
Calling Pest Control
If all else fails and the infestation grows worse, it’s time to call in professional pest control services. They can thoroughly deal with the problem and help you prevent future infestations.
How Long Does it Take for a Fruit Fly Infestation to Go Away?
The duration of a fruit fly infestation varies depending on the severity of the problem and the methods used to eliminate them. If you've taken all the necessary measures and there are still fruit flies around after several days, it's an indication that the infestation is more extensive than what you initially thought.
Typically, when using traps and preventing fruit flies, an infestation will clear up within a week. However, if the problem persists, it may take a bit longer.
When using an insecticide, it may take around 24 hours to see the impact on the fruit fly population. After applying the insecticide, clean your kitchen thoroughly to get rid of any dead fruit flies and eggs that may remain.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding fruit fly infestations:
How do You Get Rid of a Severe Fruit Fly Infestation?
If you have a severe fruit fly infestation, you may need to call in the professionals. They have the necessary equipment and expertise to eliminate the issue completely. However, if you want to tackle it yourself, follow these steps:
- Clean your kitchen thoroughly.
- Place fruit fly traps throughout your home.
- Use an insecticide to eliminate the infestation.
- Continue practicing preventative measures to keep fruit flies from returning.
How Bad Can a Fruit Fly Infestation Get?
Fruit fly infestations can get worse very quickly. Besides the numbing annoyance, fruit flies carry diseases that can harm you and your family. They can also lay their eggs in food, which can cause contamination. If you suspect that you have a fruit fly infestation, don't wait to take care of it.
Conclusion
Fruit fly infestations are a nightmare, but they don't have to be. If you follow the steps we’ve outlined, you can get rid of them and prevent future infestations. Prevention is key, but if you do end up with an infestation, there are several effective ways to eradicate them.
At Fruit Fly Traps™, we recommend taking a proactive approach to prevent or deal with fruit fly infestations quickly. Use preventative measures such as keeping your kitchen clean, locking your garbage cans and wiping down counters regularly. If you have an infestation problem, use traps, insecticides, or call pest control services.
Remember, the duration of a fruit fly infestation varies, but taking prompt action is key to eliminating them. If you’ve tried all the above and still have a severe infestation, seeking help from professionals is the next step.
References: