Pest Management Professional, January 2014
fact vs fiction FRUIT FLIES Kate Jeff McGovern t Contributors Fiction I have a bunch of fruit flies but they all look different Fact Not all small flies are fruit flies Many flies are found in the same environment and are similar in size and appearance Drain flies are fuzzy and heavy bodied Phorid flies have a distinctive hump back Vinegar flies Drosophila melanogaster are the most commonly occurring indoor fruit fly and have bright red eyes which are clearly visible even without a microscope Ask any high school biology student Fiction Fruit flies only eat fruit Fact Fruit flies are attracted to and feed on decaying fruits and vegetables drinks including beer and wine spills coffee grounds drains trash cans dirty mops towels damp clothing moist pet food and indoor houseplants If its damp and remotely edible fruit flies and their larvae will use it Fiction Fruit flies dont carry disease Fact Fruit flies have hairy bodies and sticky foot pads that spread bacteria and filth which cause diarrheal diseases Fiction You can tell by looking whether food is contaminated by fruit flies Fact Although they dont poop and vomit when they land female fruit flies much like house flies are egg laying machines Fruit can appear normal on the outside but be brown on the inside thanks to fruit fly activity When cutting away overripe parts be careful to remove any trace of eggs or larvae Fiction The only way manage fruit flies is by spraying Fact Sanitation is the key to managing fruit flies The life cycle of Drosophila is about 10 days A drink spill a sour mop unwashed towel or dirty trashcan liner can harbor thousands of eggs and larvae Spraying will harvest some of the adults but unless harborage areas are cleaned regularly and proper storage practices are put in place the vicious cycle will continue PMP You can reach the McGoverns at jeffreymcgovern@ mindspring com READY FOR A CHANGE IN SCENERY If youre considering selling your business remember that you have choices when you sell to Rollins One of those choices includes the freedom to walk away with cash at close Whether youre planning to retire take an extended vacation or save for a rainy day know that our seller friendly process is ideal for an owner who needs options YOU HAVE A CHOICE CHOOSE ROLLINS Matt Whiting 404 888 2757 mwhiting@ rollins com All inquiries are kept strictly confidential 58 January 2014 Pest Management Professional www mypmp net
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