Eradication In Ohio, these flies are often quite abundant outdoors in late August, September and October when fruits and vegetables become ripe and mature. Homeowners bring garden produce indoors unknowingly along with various life stages of these flies. Sanitation is critical in the successful control of these flies. Sometimes simply eliminating an overripe banana, jars of fermenting home canned foods, cider, fruit juices, empty catsup containers or dirty garbage cans will control these pests. All exposed fruits and vegetables not consumed immediately should be refrigerated before fermentation begins.
Successful control involves eliminating all possible breeding sites.
Sites can be found by placing masking tape or clear plastic taped over garbage disposals and drain openings overnight to detect fly emergence. Use good night-light discipline, especially over doors and windows when adults are present. Use special yellow light not attractive to insects. Flies are attracted to light and moisture. Where vinegar or other nuisance flies are a potential threat to food processing plants, forcing a strong current of air, aimed at an angle toward the exterior of the plant over vehicle doorways, has proven to be a valuable prevention tool.