Description: Fruit Fly: (Left Picture) Fruit flies are very common in homes, restaurants and supermarkets. The adult flies are very small, about 3mm long and have red eyes. Body colour is usually a light yellow to tan colour and the abdomen is grey underneath. A common characteristic of the flies are distinctive red eyes.

Description: Filter Fly: (Right Picture) Adults are about 2mm long, wings are almond shaped and the flies are very hairy. They are frequently mistaken for small moths since the wings are held roof-like over the body when at rest. They are weak fliers and often appear to be jumping or hopping.

Biology: Fruit Fly: Female fruit flies lay their eggs on the surface of rotting fruit, fermenting juices, soured milk etc. Fruit fly larvae feed on the yeast organisms and fungi growing in the fruit and vegetable materials. Through their feeding efforts, they soon turn their food into a semi-liquid mess and given their biology, they are a common pest in pubs and commercial kitchens.

Biology: Filter Fly: Filter flies are often associated with moist, highly organic areas such as sink drains, sewage treatment facilities, storm drains, dung and rotten vegetation. Each female can produce about 100 eggs and, under optimum conditions, development can be completed in two weeks.

Control: Fruit & Filter Fly: Should fruit or filter flies become abundant, a search for the larval breeding areas should be made, and the necessary housekeeping or maintenance measures taken. Any lingering adult flies may be controlled by the use of a Pyrethrum based insecticide or ULV(Ultra Low Volume) treatment. Stagnant water may be treated with Bti (bacillus).