A family of very small (about 3mm) flies, some with prominent red eyes, characterised by a slow hovering flight in which the abdomen hangs down.

All are associated with rotting fruit and vegetables or fermenting liquids. One species breeds in sour milk, for example, in the residue of forgotten milk bottles.

Remedy:

Remove all “empties”, bottles or cans, and check for rotting fruit, vegetables or pools of spilled liquid. A flykiller may be used to control small outbreaks in the home.

As with most pest control, prevention is certainly better than cure for fruit flies, so a high standard of sanitation is of paramount importance. If, however, pest problems are detected the site should be inspected thoroughly as they may have several breeding places, wherever fermenting, moist and decaying organic materials are available.

There are fruit fly pest control traps available that use vinegar or other fermenting foods to lure and capture fruit flies, such as jar traps. Pesticide are also an option, but may only provide temporary relief, so be sure to contact a pest control professional to discuss the best long-term options.