How much does a fruit fly exterminator cost?
How much does a fruit fly exterminator cost?
$150 – $300 average cost
Average fruit fly exterminator cost
A fruit fly exterminator costs $150 and $300 on average, depending on your location and the severity of the infestation. Some minor fruit fly infestations might cost as little as $100 to treat, while exterminating severe, widespread infestations in larger properties can cost up to $700 or more, especially if multiple treatments are required.
| National Average Cost | $200 |
| Minimum Cost | $100 |
| Maximum Cost | $700 |
| Average Range | $150 to $300 |
Fruit fly exterminator cost factors
The following factors affect the cost to exterminate fruit flies:
Treatment type: The cost depends on the treatment method used to eliminate the fruit flies. Basic spray treatments cost the least, while more comprehensive approaches like baiting systems, drain treatments, and multiple-method combinations are more expensive but often more effective.
Number of treatments needed: Some fruit fly infestations require multiple treatments for complete elimination, increasing costs.
Infestation location & accessibility: Kitchen infestations are typically easier to treat. However, costs increase if fruit flies have spread to multiple rooms, bathrooms, or hard-to-reach areas like wall voids or plumbing systems.
Geographic location: Exterminator pricing varies significantly by region due to local labor costs, travel fees, and cost of living.
Season: Many companies charge premium rates during peak infestation seasons in summer and early fall.
Local company vs. national franchise: Local exterminators typically charge less for fruit fly treatments, often providing more personalized service. National pest control franchises generally charge more but may offer more comprehensive guarantees and treatment options
Regular pest control services
Ongoing pest control services cost $300 to $900 per year for an annual plan, depending on the number of visits and the treatments included. Regular pest control visits and inspections can prevent a fruit fly infestation in your home. Pest control plans typically include:
Monthly or quarterly visits & inspections
Preventative treatments
Coverage for a variety of pest types, not just fruit flies
Response to any new infestations
Preventative pest control services are often more cost-effective than dealing with established infestations.
How to get rid of fruit flies
While professional pest control service is the most effective option and is more likely to prevent future fruit fly infestations, these approaches can help resolve minor infestations:
Identify and remove breeding sources: Clean drains, empty trash cans, discard overripe fruits and vegetables, and check for hidden sources of moisture or food debris.
Make homemade traps: Create effective traps using apple cider vinegar, dish soap, and a container. Cover the container with plastic wrap with small holes punched in it to trap flies.
Clean thoroughly: Sanitize countertops, sinks, and floors with disinfectant. Pay special attention to drains and garbage disposal units where fruit flies often breed.
Use commercial products: Store-bought fruit fly sticky traps and sprays cost $5 to $20 and can be effective for minor infestations.
Preventative measures: Store fruit in the refrigerator, take out the trash regularly, and keep surfaces clean and dry to prevent future infestations.
Keep in mind, professional fruit fly exterminators have access to stronger treatments and can identify hidden breeding areas you might miss.
A female fruit fly can lay up to 500 eggs at a time, which is why infestations can develop so rapidly.
FAQs about fruit fly extermination
Where do fruit flies come from?
Fruit flies enter homes on fruits and vegetables from stores or farmers' markets. They can also fly through open windows and doors, especially during summer months. These pests' ideal breeding grounds are fermenting materials like overripe produce, spilled juice or alcohol, and moist organic matter in drains or trash cans.
Do fruit flies bite?
No, fruit flies do not bite humans or pets. Unlike some other flying insects, fruit flies lack the mouthparts necessary to bite through skin. These insects feed exclusively on decaying organic matter, particularly fruits, vegetables, and fermenting liquids.
Though fruit flies don't bite, they can contaminate food surfaces with bacteria they pick up from less sanitary locations, potentially causing foodborne illness.
How long do fruit flies live?
The average lifespan of an adult fruit fly is about 30 days under ideal conditions. However, the entire life cycle from egg to adult takes just 8 to 10 days at room temperature. This rapid reproduction cycle explains why infestations can grow out of control quickly if not addressed.
What attracts fruit flies?
Fruit flies are attracted to:
Overripe or decaying fruits and vegetables
Fermenting liquids like wine, beer, and vinegar
Moist environments with organic matter, like sink drains and garbage disposals
Spilled sugary substances and food residue
Dirty mop heads, sponges, and damp cleaning materials
Trash cans and recycling bins containing food waste
Even small amounts of these attractants can bring fruit flies into your home and sustain an infestation.
Are fruit flies harmful?
While fruit flies don't bite or sting, they can spread disease. The flies breed in decaying matter and frequently travel between food sources and unsanitary locations like drains and garbage. In the process, they can pick up and transfer bacteria, including E. coli and Salmonella, to food preparation surfaces and uncovered foods.
Are fruit flies and gnats the same?
No, although they're often confused, gnats and fruit flies are different insects:
Fruit flies are typically tan or light brown with red eyes, measuring about 1/8 inch long. They're attracted to sweet, fermenting substances and are commonly found around fruits and kitchen areas.
Gnats tend to be black or dark brown, smaller than fruit flies, and live around houseplants, in bathroom drains, or outdoor garden areas. They're attracted to moisture and organic plant matter.
Different types of flies require different treatment approaches, so proper identification is important for effective extermination.
Getting quotes from pest control services
Follow these tips to help you choose the best fruit fly exterminator near you:
Get estimates from at least three pest control companies to compare pricing and services.
Ask about their specific experience with fruit fly infestations, as some companies specialize in certain pests.
Read reviews of exterminators on HomeGuide and Google.
Verify the company is licensed and insured.
Ask about guarantees or warranties on their work—many reputable companies offer retreatment if flies return within a certain period.
Request detailed information about the treatments they use and any safety precautions needed.
Questions to ask exterminators
When evaluating exterminators, ask these questions to ensure you hire a reputable, experienced pro for the job:
How long have you been treating fruit fly infestations?
What licenses and insurance do you carry?
Can you provide references from customers with similar infestations?
What methods do you use to identify fruit fly breeding sources?
How many treatments do you anticipate will be necessary to eliminate the infestation?
Are your treatments safe for households with children and pets?
Are there any preparations I need to make before treatment day?
Do you offer any guarantees on your work?
What preventative measures do you recommend after treatment?
Is there an additional charge for follow-up visits if needed?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.