How much does a fruit fly exterminator cost?

Author: Prof. Valentin Gerhold I  |  Last update: Monday, June 9, 2025

The national average cost of fruit fly treatment is generally between $100 and $175 and varies on size of area being treated.

Can an exterminator help with fruit flies?

Yes, exterminators can effectively get rid of fruit flies. They typically use a combination of methods, including: Inspection: Exterminators will first identify the source of the infestation, which often includes overripe fruit, garbage, or drains.

Can you permanently get rid of fruit flies?

Getting rid of fruit flies cannot be done permanently, but setting out fruit fly traps, inducing fruiting during the winter and planting thick-skinned fruit can greatly reduce fruit fly populations on a fruit farm.

How long does a fruit fly infestation last?

If these measures are taken and a fruit fly infestation does not die out within two to three weeks, it is likely that they have found another source within which to lay their eggs. Make sure that trash cans are clean and fitted with airtight lids.

Why is my house suddenly infested with fruit flies?

What Attracts Fruit Flies? Fruit flies are mainly attracted to extra ripe, fermenting fruits and vegetables. However, they are also drawn to things such as drains, garbage disposals, empty bottles and cans, trash bags, cleaning rags and mops. Essentially, they are drawn to food waste and moist environments.

The (real) cost of fruit fly control

What month are fruit flies most active?

By summer (December to February) fruit flies are likley to be at their most active. In warmer regions they might have already completed a full life cycle or more, while in cooler areas they might only just be becoming active.

Is my house dirty if I have fruit flies?

The culprit isn't dirt and grime—fermenting fruits and vegetables and moisture lure these pests into your home. Fruit flies get out of control quickly because a female lays eggs on or in ripe and rotting fruit. After they hatch, larvae can evolve into adults in a few days and continue the breeding cycle.

What smell do fruit flies hate?

Fruit flies hate several rather nice smelling natural scents, including peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, lemongrass, and clove.

What kills the most fruit flies?

To create a DIY fruit fly trap, mix a quarter cup of either apple cider vinegar or white vinegar with a few drops of dish soap. The idea is that the irresistible vinegar attracts the fruit flies, while the soap breaks the vinegar's surface tension and drowns them.

Can you hire someone to get rid of fruit flies?

For help getting rid of fruit flies and drain flies, contact your Orkin Pro at your local Orkin branch.

When to call an exterminator for flies?

If you notice increased fly activity or buzzing noises, that signals a possible infestation and you may need fly pest control. Don't ignore ongoing problems; persistent flies despite your cleaning efforts might mean it's time to call a professional fly exterminator.

What is the best solution for fruit fly infestation?

How to get rid of a fruit fly infestation. Throw the food away where the flies have been hovering and scrub the area clean. Pour boiling water down drains and waste disposal. Wine or apple cider vinegar traps: in a jar or plastic bottle put a splash of wine or apple cider vinegar and a squeeze of washing up liquid.

How do professional exterminators get rid of fruit flies?

Professional pest control services often do not treat fruit flies for several reasons: Source Control: The primary method to get rid of fruit flies is to eliminate their breeding sources. Pest control treatments are not effective if the underlying issues, such as exposed food or organic waste, are not resolved.

How to find where fruit flies are coming from?

Residential Home Inspection
  1. Rotting fruits of vegetables stored on the counter.
  2. Under refrigerators or locations where fruit or vegetable juice may have spilled.
  3. Moist liquid under garbage cans, under trash bags.
  4. Sink drains.
  5. In drip condensation pans under the refrigerator.
  6. Near kick plate under counters.

Can you bomb a house for fruit flies?

To reduce the numbers of fruit flies, use a drain cleaner to eliminate some of the build-up in which they're breeding. After you've managed to find and eliminate the source of breeding, you can use one of the commercial bug-bombs to get rid of any adult flies that are left.

What is the natural enemy of fruit flies?

The parasitic Hymenoptera are believed to be the most effective natural enemies of fruit flies.

Does pine-sol really keep flies away?

Yes, Pine-Sol can keep flies away from your deck. “Products that contain natural oils like pine oil can repel flies,” chemistry professor Bill Carroll says. Despite Pine-Sol no longer containing actual pine oil, “it does contain limonene, which is a component of pine oil” Carroll says.

What is the best spray for getting rid of fruit flies?

Insecticide fogs such as Pyrethrum Aerosol can be sprayed into the air to kill adult winged Fruit Flies. A simple 3 second spray into the air with the products will kill most Fruit Flies within the area. These products can also be sprayed under and behind equipment and in hidden areas, cracks, and crevices.

Will fruit flies eventually go away?

If your kitchen counters are spotless, your floors are promptly cleaned from any spills, your fruit bowl is filled with only the freshest fruit, your garbage disposal and sink are clean, your trash can remains free from goopy sludge and…and…and, then, yes, fruit flies will eventually die on their own.

What is the lifespan of a fruit fly?

How long do fruit flies live? Fruit flies are known for their rapid reproduction and relatively short lifespans. The average lifespan of a fruit fly is about 40 to 50 days. The fruit fly life cycle is made up of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.

Why do I have 100 fruit flies in my house?

Basically, if there's any rotting material in your home, fruit flies will find it and then use it. They're particularly attracted to garbage, compost, drains, and anywhere else they can find rotting food. If you leave fruit out until it ripens, it'll attract all kinds of fruit flies.

Can fruit flies live in your refrigerator?

Can fruit flies survive in the refrigerator? Fruit flies cannot survive in the cold temperatures of a refrigerator. However, they can hitch a ride on produce and other items before you place them in the fridge. It's a good practice to wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before refrigerating them.

Where is the best place to put a fruit fly trap?

We suggest placing the trap in a spot where you notice fruit fly activity. If you notice them around a fruit bowl, place it there. If they seem to like the sink area in the kitchen, try it there. In the end, you should notice them disappearing within about twelve hours.

Should you wash bananas to prevent fruit flies?

Make sure to wash bananas immediately to get rid of the fruit fly eggs after bringing it home,” as the fruit flies may have already laid eggs while the fruit was transported to or stored in your supermarket.

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