How Cold to Kill Fruit Flies
WouterIf you’re worried about fruit flies, you may be wondering how cold it should get to kill fruit flies. In general, cold temperatures are best for killing fruit flies. However, cold temperatures aren’t the only factor to consider. Using insect repellents can be effective, too. For best results, use a spray that contains isopropyl alcohol and apply it to fruit. This spray will kill fruit flies on contact.
In cold temperatures, fruit flies can’t breed properly. The temperature must be 68 degrees Fahrenheit or below to kill fruit flies. However, even this temperature won’t be enough to kill the adult fruit fly. This isn’t to say that cold temperatures will kill fruit flies permanently, as they will eventually regenerate if they are exposed to the right conditions again.
The first step in eliminating fruit flies is to understand their life cycle. During their first stage, fruit flies lay hundreds of eggs. The eggs hatch after 24 to thirty hours. Within a week, the maggots will emerge and begin feeding on the food source. This cycle is repeated every two days until the fruit fly flies die out.
Cold disinfestation, also known as cold treatment, is a relatively expensive method for killing fruit flies. Cold treatments are also used to prevent spoilage of imported fruit, since the fruit has to remain unprotected during the journey. Modern ships, however, are equipped with refrigeration systems and temperature recorders to better control the temperatures during transit. Regardless of the method, fruit should be properly cleaned and disinfested upon arrival in the country.
