Your browser does not support JavaScript!
Purdue Extension 4-H/FFA Career Development Event (CDE) | FFA | Purdue | entomology | CDE | insect | insect orders | flashcards | contest
insect image
spacer
Vinegar Fly damage
(John Obermeyer, Purdue University)
spacer
Common Name: Vinegar Fly - damage
See also: adult | larva

Scientific Name: Drosophilidae: Drosophila spp.

Status: nuisance pest of homes and restaurants

Damaging Stage: larval and adult

Injury: Adult females lay eggs near moist, fermenting food material, such as overripe fruit, rotten vegetables, or residues left in garbage containers, and drains. When the eggs hatch, the larvae feed near the surface of the fermenting food masses.

Action Threshold: Vinegar fly populations can be an annoyance to homeowners even when in low numbers. Food handling establishments must proactively deal with them.

Management: Removal of breeding sites (rotting fruit, full garbage bins, food leftovers) is paramount to getting rid of vinegar flies. Fruits and vegetables should be stored properly in a refrigerator and thrown away if they become overripe.

Purdue Extension Entomology, 901 West State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA, (765) 494-4554

Department of Entomology | College of Agriculture | Extension

© Purdue University | An equal access/equal opportunity university | Integrity Statement | Copyright Complaints | Maintained by ENTM IT

Trouble with this page? Disability-related accessibility issue? Please contact us at entmwebmaster@purdue.edu so we can help.