Need pest help? Save $50 on your first recurring service today with code GET50

Fruit Flies & Food

Feeding Habits: What Attracts Fruit Flies?

The common fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) measures 3 to 4 mm in length and is tan or light brown in color. Fruit flies have protruding eyes that are typically red, although some have darker eyes.

Fruit Fly Feeding Closeup

Fruit flies are attracted to yeast resulting from the initial decomposition of plant materials. Sap flows, overripe produce and mushrooms are also foods of choice for fruit flies. The common fruit fly attacks and punctures the skin of overripe fruit and vegetables in order to lay eggs and feed.

As is implied by their name, fruit flies most commonly feed on fruit and other sugary substances. Fruit flies are also attracted to the fermenting sugars present in spilled alcoholic beverages. They are particularly fond of bananas and tend to infest homes with fruit left out on counters and other open surfaces.

What Do Fruit Flies Eat?

Adult flies are most active during warm, bright days and feed upon the surfaces of fruits, leaves, plant secretions and honeydew produced by aphids. During the preoviposition feeding stage, adult fruit flies spend time feeding on fruits, vegetables and other decaying materials.

Following this phase, the female fruit fly places her eggs beneath the skins of fruits. Fruit fly larvae feed on the surface of decaying masses within which they are laid. Larvae are often present in the blemished and overripened areas of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Fruit flies enter homes in spring and summer on fruit, as well as through open windows and doors. Because fruit fly larvae often are so small, they are difficult to locate and are brought inside unwittingly. Fruit flies may also feed on organic material present in unclean drains.

Resources

Dig Deeper on Fruit Flies

Where Do Fruit Flies Come From?

Fruit Fly Reproduction Rate Data

Life Span of Fruit Fly

Fruit Fly Larvae

Fruit Fly Genetics

Fruit Fly Metamorphosis

Fruit Fly Eggs

Fruit Flies & Food

Biology of Fruit Flies

Fruit Fly Predators

Connect with Us

Our customer care team is available for you 24 hours a day.

877-819-5061

Find a Branch

Our local Pros are the pest experts in your area.

Get a Personalized Quote

We will help you find the right treatment plan for your home.

THE BEST IN PESTS.™

SERVICES

Pest ControlTermite ControlPrevent and Protect

PEST LIBRARY

Browse All Pests

© 2024 Orkin LLC

Terms of UsePrivacyAccessibility StatementCareers

Your Branch  

Call Now