Question: Wednesday, October 25, 2000
I have these annoying little bugs in the house ...they look like fruit flies...they look like fruit flies ,and get into my wine and circle my rum...but if I remember the last time I had them (before our fire) someone said they came from potted plant soil... HOW DO I GET RID OF THEM????
Answer:
Yes, fruit flies have a great built-in radar system. Basically, the fruit flies arrive from the world outside the home, honing in on that peach which is just rolling over the "ripeness line". Eggs are laid and the undisturbed larvae will feast on yeast and alcohol-rich fermenting products for approximately five days, hatch and start the cycle again.
During their eight-day life cycle they breed prolifically. Once established in the home they can survive on an inspiring diet of nutrients, including drain slime, sour cloths or mops, dropped food that goes unoticed in floor cracks, and - the creme de la creme - alcohol fumes!
Trapping them is relatively easy, leave dregs (or piece of fruit) in an empty wine or rum bottle and insert a funnel in the top. The flies get in easily enough but find it difficult to escape. Of course, prevention is often better than cure - eat the fruit and drink the wine
Groundskeeper@marksgarden.com
