Q In the past few months, I have noticed fruit flies (small, fluttery things) anywhere I sit down in the house -- my favorite chair, formal living room, all over the place. I can't figure out where they're coming from and don't know what to do about them.
A The first step to solve your fly problem is to properly identify the insects. There are a variety of 1/8-inch-size flies that can infest homes. While the basic control, finding and removing the food source, is the same for all of these flies, their food preferences vary.
For example:
• Fruit flies lay eggs in all types of fermenting, organic material and are commonly found infesting overripe fruits and vegetables such as bananas and onions, soft drinks, wine and beer residue (bottles and cans that are being saved for recycling) as well as in trash baskets between the liner and the container.
• Moth flies are associated with moist, organic material. They are typically found in the gelatinous film in drains and sinks and can be associated with sewers and sewage from sewer breaks.
• Phorid flies are also found in many types of moist decaying organic material. They are commonly found in bathroom sink and shower drains, food residues in trash containers, rotting food, dirty mops and old dish rags, and sewage from broken sewer lines.
• Fungus gnats are associated with fungus and commonly infest overwatered houseplants. They can occasionally be found in rotting produce (a potato that has started to mold), or even in a new home (wet wood in the walls allows fungus to grow).
Finding the source of the infestation can be challenging and often involves some detective work. Keep in mind that the above examples are common sites where these flies have been found. However, there are many instances of odd and unexpected sources that these flies have infested.
