The larvae of most species occur in decaying fruit and fungi. In warm weather, the life cycle may be completed in 8 to 10 days. Because of their short life span and ease of culturing, several species have been used extensively by geneticists in chromosome and gene mapping research. Drosophila melanogaster is probably the best known animal in our world. During the late summer and early fall, especially, it is wise not to allow fruit and vegetables to over-ripen and ferment.
Vinegar flies can be a very serious pest in cannery areas.
Because weather plays such a vital role in the harvesting, handling, and processing of our national fruit and vegetable food supplies, it is almost impossible to control these flies in the field. If there is an extended rain and hot muggy weather just before the tomato crop is harvested, there will be more cracking, splitting, etc. of the fruit and, therefore, more vinegar fly breeding sites. Remove all culled fruit, pulp, peelings, etc. Keep processing equipment and containers clean of pulp and other residue. Screen the doors and windows of the facility with screen that is 16 mesh or finer to prevent adult fly entry.