In the summer when the air turns thick and sticky pests quickly find their way inside. During winter I can leave a bowl of fruit on the counter without worrying about fruit flies. However in the sweltering heat of August especially in this old building that is simply not possible. The warmth and humidity create the perfect conditions for fruit flies to multiply fast.

I recently had to solve a very ripe two-part mystery in my kitchen.

One: Where were these fruit flies coming from? and Two: Where was that funky smell coming from?

As it turns out, the culprit was a sack of potatoes tucked at the very bottom of a box of onions I usually keep in the cool, dark pantry.

But wait a minute. Potatoes aren’t fruit.

So where do fruit flies come from?

First, let’s not rush to label every small fly in your kitchen as a fruit fly. Careful observation of its behavior and habits is key to proper identification. Understanding the exact species helps us figure out why the insect has invaded. By inspecting and observing, we learn what it takes to send that pest back outside where it belongs—not inside our homes.

You do not need to buy a microscope kit or spend hours scrolling through endless DIY tips online that might not work. That is exactly why experts like us are here to save you time and get things done right. Just call the Rose pro you know and we’ll help.

Fruit Fly

Fruit flies are drawn to freshly decaying moist organic matter like fruits and vegetables. In nature this makes sense because decomposers are essential to prevent the world from smelling like hot garbage. So thanks fruit flies but also ew please stay out of my house. These tiny pests come from outside slipping in through small holes in window screens. They are especially attracted to trash containers and recycling bins that have sticky residue. Fruit flies also thrive on damp mop heads in restaurant kitchens and make their homes in garbage disposals and other grimy spots. While fruit flies only live a few days they breed quickly when conditions are just right. Summer heat creates the perfect environment for them. The key thing to remember is this:

To eliminate a fly problem, you must find and eliminate the source of their breeding sites.

Some fruit fly breeding spots are obvious, like ripe fruit left out. Others, like a forgotten sack of potatoes or food pushed under the stove, can easily be missed. Have you ever smelled a leaky, black, sludgy sack of potatoes? It is seriously the worst. Once I removed that, I gave the pantry floor a deep clean, wiped down the shelves, and cleaned around jars and cans. I even pulled out all the cat toys from under the fridge and stove to clean those spots too. I made sure to get into every nook and cranny. After putting all my produce in the fridge, the fruit flies disappeared. Total victory!

Fungus Gnats

Fungus gnats look different from fruit flies and they are not as interested in fruit. Instead, these tiny gnats are drawn to the soil in potted plants. The biggest reason you might see fungus gnats indoors is overwatering. When plants get too much water, mold can grow, creating the perfect place for gnats to breed.

How to get rid of fungus gnats

One simple and effective way to reduce fungus gnats in potted plants is by adding about one inch of sand to the top of the soil. As the newly hatched gnats try to emerge, the rough texture of the sand cuts their protective coating, causing them to dry out and die. To keep your plants healthy and gnat-free, be sure to learn how often each type of plant needs watering. After all, maintaining the right balance is key to happy, thriving plants.

Drain Flies

Drain flies, also known as bathroom flies or moth flies, might look fuzzy and harmless at first. However, having a drain fly problem means there is an issue with your drains that needs immediate attention. These pests breed in the gunk that builds up in floor drains, much like how fruit flies multiply in kitchen drains. If left unchecked, the problem can quickly get worse over time.

Getting rid of the gunk is essential because sanitation is the key to solving the problem at its source. First, identify where the flies are breeding. Then, eliminate those breeding spots thoroughly. This is exactly how the pros handle it.

Small Flies in Food Establishments

Controlling small flies in food industry businesses requires serious attention. Our experts hold special certifications in food safety to ensure a healthy environment for employees, customers, and even pets in some cases. Different types of flies are attracted to different things, so not all flies can be managed the same way. These pests are more than just a nuisance—they can also spread bacteria and other harmful substances.

Food Safety Certification

Since the 1800s, the food industry has learned many important lessons about pest management. No one wants to see pests while they are eating. Today, food safety regulations, standards, and audits are in place at places like food manufacturing plants, storage warehouses, grocery stores, restaurants, and bars. These measures help keep conditions clean and safe for customers. Successfully passing pest control audits is essential to protect the public from getting sick when they buy or eat food.

AIB International, https://www.aibinternational.com/certification/gfsi/,  is one agency that conducts audits of food processing establishments to protect the food industry, helping to ensure that food plants are maintaining a safe and pest-free environment.

An IPM program with a pest management professional is paramount to passing the pest control category of an audit. Rose prides itself on being the number one choice for IPM food industry partnerships. Our experts have a special certification in Food Safety to add to our other credentials. Plus we’ve served the food industry longer than any other company in Chicagoland.

To help keep small flies away from your produce, plants and any other organic material in homes and kitchens, call for help first at 1-800-GOT-PESTS? and keep these things in mind:

1. 1. To eliminate, experts must first find the source
   2. An expert can help determine why they’re there and what they’re after, and properly identify the species
   3. Eliminating a pest problem is not just one person’s job. It is the responsibility of everyone involved – residents, employees and your IPM expert to maintain a healthy, sanitary environment for everyone