Fruit Flies vs Drain Flies in the GTA

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You see them hovering near the fruit bowl or crawling up the bathroom wall. They seem to appear from nowhere. But tiny flies are not all the same. Fruit flies and drain flies look different, behave differently, and require different treatment. Here is how to tell them apart.

Fruit Flies

Fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) are attracted to fermenting fruit and vegetables.

Identification:

• Size: 2-3 mm
• Color: Red or tan eyes (distinctive)
• Body: Brown with striped abdomen
• Behavior: Hover near fruit, circling
• Where found: Near fruit bowls, produce bins, compost

What attracts them:

• Overripe fruit
• Ripening vegetables
• Fermenting produce
• Wine and beer residue
• Compost containers

Drain Flies

Drain flies (Psychodidae) breed in the organic buildup inside drains and pipes.

Identification:

• Size: 2-4 mm
• Color: Grey to dark grey
• Fuzzy: Yes, fuzzy wings
• Behavior: Rest on walls near drains, weak fliers
• Where found: Bathrooms, kitchens, near drains

What attracts them:

• Organic buildup in drains
• Biofilm in pipes
• Standing water
• Sewer odours

Treatment Differences

For fruit flies:

• Remove all produce that is overripe or going bad
• Store fruit in the refrigerator
• Use apple cider vinegar traps
• Clean fruit bowls and counters
• Take out trash regularly

For drain flies:

• Clean drains with enzyme-based drain cleaner
• Use a drain snake to remove buildup
• Clean the P-trap
• Fix any leaking pipes
• Use drain covers

DIY Traps

Apple Cider Vinegar Trap for Fruit Flies

Mix apple cider vinegar with a few drops of dish soap in a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and poke holes in the top. The flies are attracted to the vinegar and drown in the soap.

Enzyme Drain Cleaner for Drain Flies

Use an enzyme-based drain cleaner (not bleach) to break down the biofilm inside pipes. Follow product directions. For persistent problems, a professional drain treatment may be needed.

When to Call a Professional

• Persistent drain flies despite cleaning
• Large infestations
• Cannot locate the source
• Multi-unit building with shared drains
• Fruit flies return despite removing produce

Cost

• Fruit fly elimination: Included in general pest service
• Drain fly treatment: $150 to $350
• Professional drain cleaning: $100 to $250

Prevention

• Store produce in the refrigerator
• Check produce regularly and remove overripe items
• Clean drains weekly with hot water
• Use drain covers
• Take out trash daily
• Clean produce bins regularly

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I tell fruit flies from drain flies?

Fruit flies have red or tan eyes. Drain flies are grey and fuzzy, and rest on walls near drains.

What causes fruit flies?

Fruit flies breed in overripe fruit and vegetables. Check fruit bowls and compost containers.

What causes drain flies?

Drain flies breed in organic buildup in drains and pipes.

How much does professional fly treatment cost in the GTA?

Professional fly treatment runs $150 to $350.

Can I treat fruit flies myself?

Yes. Apple cider vinegar traps work well. Remove the produce source and set a trap.

Got flies in your GTA home? Get free quotes from licensed fly control operators today.