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Fruit Fly Behavior

Fertilized fruit flies become active in late spring, laying their eggs on ripe fruit that is ready to be harvested. When fresh, infested fruit is brought into the home, infestations can occur. Fruit flies may also enter homes through open doors and windows. 

Eggs hatch into worm-like larvae that feed on sugary fruits. Oftentimes, they take on the coloration of their food source and can be difficult to detect. Fruit fly larvae feed for approximately four days. Following this phase, larvae use stored nutrients while they pupate and undergo metamorphosis. While pupating, the fruit fly grows six legs, two wings and characteristic, bulging eyes. After another four days of pupation, the adult fly emerges. Within eight hours of emerging, fruit flies are ready to mate. As adults, they are seen flying and hovering over available sources of sugar.

Females lay eggs every two weeks. Limiting access to potential food and egg laying sites can prevent infestations. Without egg laying sites, adult fruit flies will die and there will be no future generations.

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