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Vinegar Fly damage
(John Obermeyer, Purdue University) |
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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. |