Flies & Mosquitoes
Fruit Fly
Tiny tan flies with red eyes that breed in ripe fruit, drains and anywhere sugary liquids collect. A common issue in kitchens, bars and grocery stores.
Quick facts
- Size
- About 3 mm
- Colour
- Tan to yellow-brown with red eyes
- Active season
- Year-round indoors; peaks late summer
- Where found
- Fruit bowls, drains, recycling, garbage, bars
How to Identify
- Very small fly, about 3 mm long
- Bright red eyes
- Tan body with darker bands on the abdomen
Signs to Look For
- Small flies hovering around fruit, drains or garbage
- Flies around recycling bins and drink stations
- Numbers that bounce back quickly after cleaning
Why It Matters
- Carry bacteria onto food and surfaces
- Breed very quickly — a new generation in about a week
- A problem for restaurants and food inspections
Prevention Tips
- Refrigerate ripe produce
- Rinse recycling and take out garbage often
- Clean drains and floor sinks regularly
- Wipe up sugary spills right away
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