Bar flies (aka fruit flies, vinegar flies, or those cheeky little bar-stewards) can be a pesky nuisance in homes and businesses. And while not a deadly pest, they are relentlessly annoying…something we can all agree upon.
In this blog post, we’re going to explore these irritating little critters in greater depth, talk about whether or not they pose any threat to your home or business, look at their lifespan and lifecycle, how to effectively eliminate them, and preventive measures to help keep them at bay.
If you’ve had enough of these little buggers buzzing around your place, read on—we’ll tell you everything you need to know…
What Is a Bar Fly Insect?
Not that they need much introduction, but for consistency’s sake, here’s a quick description:
- These tiny flying pests—also called vinegar or fruit flies—are attracted to ripe or decaying produce and other organic material.
- They’re typically about 1/8 inch long, with a tan or brownish body and red eyes.
- You’ll often find them in kitchens, garbage zones, bars, and restaurants, where food waste is abundant.
Are They Dangerous? Can They Spread Diseases?
hould you be worried about having too many of these pests buzzing about?
- While they’re not directly harmful to humans, their presence can indicate poor sanitation.
- They can also spread bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella as they land on surfaces and food.
- And given their rapid reproduction rate, a few can quickly become a swarm if left unchecked.
What Is the Lifespan/Lifecycle of a Bar Fly?
More importantly, how long do these little blighters live? Don’t worry—we’ll cover how to shorten that lifespan in a bit:
- The average life of one is 8 to 10 days.
- Their life cycle has four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
- Females lay eggs in moist organic matter—overripe fruit, food scraps, or gunk in drains.
- The eggs hatch into larvae, which feed and develop into pupae.
- Then comes the adult stage, ready to repeat the cycle.
*Shudders*
Is There Such a Thing as a Bar Fly Infestation?
What’s considered a ‘normal’ number of these flies in or around your home or business?
- Seeing a few here and there isn’t uncommon, especially in warmer months. But a sudden or persistent increase may indicate a sanitation issue or infestation.
- There’s no hard number, but if you notice a consistent presence of these insects, it’s a good idea to take action to eliminate them.
How Do You Get Rid of These Flies?
Now let’s get down to business—how to eliminate the little nuisances. Here are some solid methods:
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Clean regularly: Wipe down kitchen surfaces, scrub sinks, and take out rubbish frequently. Eliminate their food sources and breeding grounds.
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Seal your food: Keep fruits and veg in airtight containers. No open invitations!
- Dispose of garbage properly: Ensure that garbage cans have tight-fitting lids and empty them regularly to prevent the build-up of organic matter. This is also true for keeping other unwanted pests away, such as rodents and roaches.
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Try vinegar traps: A simple home remedy—vinegar in a container, plastic wrap on top with holes—can lure and trap them.
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Use commercial traps: Fruit fly traps can be picked up from hardware or grocery stores and are great for larger issues.
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Clean the drains: Flies love to lay eggs in the gunk down there. Use a drain brush or natural cleaner to flush it out.
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Call in the pros: If all else fails (or you just want fast results), pest control services like ours in Sydney can help eliminate them completely.
As you can see, pest prevention is a big part of keeping these pests out of your home or your business. Often implementing the above cleanliness tips can be enough to keep them at bay. However, if they do continue to be a pest, let the experts know and we will gladly implement some needed solutions.
Conclusion
Whether you call them fruit flies, vinegar flies, or bar-stewards, these pests are a total nuisance—but they don’t have to take over your home or business.
Especially in a place of business (such as food and beverage), by taking proactive measures, you can keep your establishment free from these bothersome pests and ensure a clean and hygienic environment for your employees and customers to enjoy.
Should the infestation persist, seeking professional pest control services is highly recommended and if you contact us today, we’ll gladly help rid your home or business of these little bar-stewards.
