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Please be sure to read the product label of any insecticide you choose to use to get information on the personal protective safety gear you will need. In most situations, it is recommended that you wear long pants, a long sleeved shirt, closed toe shoes with socks, chemical resistant gloves, and goggles. In areas where ventilation is poor, a manufacturer may recommend you wear a mask or a respirator. We have put together two different safety kits that will make selecting the correct safety gear easier for you.

Fruit Fly Identification Guide

Learn What Fruit Flies Look Like

By DoMyOwn staff
Overview

Identify Fruit Flies By Their Gathering Spots

Image of a fruit fly sitting on a leaf
There are several small gnat fly types that can live indoors including fungus gnats, drain flies and fruit flies. Identifying where the flies are gathering and what they are using as their food source will help with the identification process.

Fruit flies hover around and thrive most often near drains, garbage receptacles, either fresh or rotting produce, and moist organic material that may gather under fridges or in poorly cleaned areas. Fruit fly numbers are greatest in late summer and early fall during the harvest season and may often be introduced into your home on fruits or vegetables you buy from the grocery store.

How Long Do Fruit Flies Live?

Adult fruit flies can live about 6 weeks in areas where food is abundant and temperatures are favorable. The adult female is able to mate and lay many eggs during that time. Adult fruit flies are especially annoying because a very small population can become very large in a small amount of time.
Size
Fruit flies are about 1/8" long
Shape
Graphic showing the anatomy of a fruit fly
  • Fruit flies have 6 legs
  • Fruit flies have light-colored bodies
  • Fruit flies have large bright red eyes
Color
Fruit flies are yellowish tan in color and usually have bright red eyes
Range
Map showing the range of the fruit fly in the United States
Fruit flies can be found in every state in the US

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