How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies
Even though they have short lives and have made their contribution to science, fruit flies are still pesky. Once they enter your home and feast on your countertop food, you’ll go to lengths, trying to kick them out of your kitchen.
If you’re wondering how to get rid of fruit flies, continue reading for some tips and tricks to keep them out of your kitchen for good.
What Are Fruit Flies?
Fruit flies are tiny insects that seek out fruit on which to lay their eggs. Because they have a keen sense of smell, they come into your home through cracks, open doors, and open windows often undetected. In some cases, they’ve already landed on the fruit you bring home.
Even though you think one fruit fly might not do much damage, if they’ve already laid eggs, you’re stuck with a small infestation. This is because their life-cycles are so short, they go from baby to adult within ten days. And females can lay about 500 eggs in one month.
How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies
Evacuating fruit flies from your kitchen is no picnic, and it may take some time before they’re completely eradicated. But there are some smart and even DIY-ways you can start combating them today.
1. Make A Trap
Because fruit flies are attracted to sweet ripening fruit, your fruit fly trap will need to include scraps and scents of sweetness.
There are a variety of traps you can make, but this one uses everyday household items. To assemble this trap, you’ll need:
- A tall glass jar
- A piece of paper
- Fruit scraps
- Vinegar
First, pour a small amount of vinegar and some chunks of fruit at the bottom of the jar. Next, roll the piece of paper into a cone shape and place it in the mouth of the jar. The idea behind the trap is to lure the fruit flies inside, but they’ll be unable to exit.
You can also make a trap using white vinegar and dish soap. Using a shallow dish, fill it with vinegar and a few drops of dish soap. The flies will find the vinegar and the soap will pull them
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Aside from sweet scents, flies love the smell of vinegar, and apple cider vinegar works extremely well for catching fruit flies.
For this trap, you’ll need a small jar, rubber bands, apple cider vinegar, and plastic wrap. Simply fill the jar with a small amount of apple cider vinegar, cover with plastic wrap, and secure the wrap with a rubber band. Finally, a few small holes in the plastic wrap so the fruit flies can enter the trap.
Strategically place these traps around areas in the kitchen where you’ve noticed problem fruit flies. Once they’re in the trap, they’ll have difficulty getting out, and they’ll ultimately drown in the vinegar.
3. Keep The Kitchen Clean
Fruit flies won’t come near clean things! Wash your dishes immediately after dining or put them in the dishwasher. Fruit flies are also attracted to old sponges and rags, so keep those clean or replace them regularly.
Give your kitchen a deep clean at least once a week to ensure all scraps of old food are tossed. Clean under the counters, remove all food sources on the counter, stovetop, and anywhere else you think food particles might be lurking.
Don’t forget to check your plumbing. Yes, fruit flies love the gunk in your drains and are not afraid to party there. If you’re dealing with a massive fruit fly infestation, cover your drain with plastic wrap for a day or so, and if fruit flies appear there, pour boiling the water down the drain to dimish the reside.
4. Throw Out Food Scraps
Rotting food is fruit flies best friend. Any food scraps you accumulate in the kitchen need to be thrown out in the compost bin. Allow scraps to linger in the trash can only invite more flies!
If you have a compost food bin in your kitchen, empty it and clean it as well to eliminate any possible eggs.
5. Check For Rotting Veggies
Foods kept in the dark pantry like onions and potatoes are likely to be forgotten and found rotting. Fruit flies are attracted to these also. Toss out all old spongy vegetables lying in your pantry to keep fruit flies at bay.
6. Clean Bins
Trash and recycling bins hold scents and pieces of fruit, and those pesky fruit flies will find it. But not just fruit – reside from soda cans, wine bottles, beer, or juice are all ripe breeding grounds for fruit flies. Rinse out all cans and bottles before discarding them to the trash or recycling can.
7. Buy A Solution
If you don’t have any vinegar or jars, there are numerous pre-made solutions or traps available. They’re convenient and usually come with everything you need.
8. Pest Control
Sometimes an infestation is just too much, and it’s time to call a professional. A pest control company will come and spray an insecticide that will banish your fruit fly problem. Pest control is a great choice if dedication to cleanliness and setting traps don’t do the trick.
Fruit Fly: Not A Sweet Problem
With a little work, elbow grease, and traps, fruit flies won’t hang around long. If you’ve been wondering how to get rid of fruit flies, hopefully, these tips have helped.
Are you curious about how to address other pests in your home? Contact us today to learn which areas we service!
Interested in learning more about fruit flies? Please visit the following links:
https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef621
https://www.countryliving.com/home-maintenance/cleaning/a27284947/how-to-get-rid-of-fruit-flies/
https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/articles/How-to-Get-Rid-of-Fruit-Flies
https://www.businessinsider.com/fruit-flies-how-to-get-rid-why-hard-to-kill-2019-5
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Update: Please check out this awesome article from our friends at Happy DIY Home on the “Top 25 Incredible Benefits of Gardening”!