Are pesky fruit flies driving you crazy? We’ve all been there, so we’ve put together a list of 9 quick and effective fixes to help you get rid of fruit flies once and for all. Say goodbye to those annoying little insects and reclaim your kitchen with these simple solutions.
Apple Cider Vinegar Trap
For a quick and effective way to tackle those pesky fruit flies, the apple cider vinegar trap is a tried and true method. Here’s how you can set it up: Fill a small bowl with apple cider vinegar and a few drops of dish soap. The sweet smell of the vinegar will draw the flies in while the dish soap breaks the surface tension to trap them in. Next, stretch some plastic wrap over the bowl and secure it. With a toothpick or a small fork, poke several holes in the plastic—big enough for the fruit flies to enter but small enough to confuse their exit strategy. Place this trap in areas where you notice fruit flies the most.
Wine or Beer Trap
Just like us, fruit flies can’t seem to resist the allure of a good brew or a fine wine. This trap is similar to the apple cider vinegar trap mentioned above, but it may be more nose-friendly if you can’t stand the smell of vinegar. Fill a small bowl with wine or beer, cover with plastic wrap, and use a toothpick to make small holes. The fermented scent of the wine or beer will draw the fruit flies in, and the plastic wrap will trap them inside the container. Easy peasy.
Get Rid of Overripe Produce
Overripe or decaying fruits and vegetables are like magnets to these tiny pests, offering them an all-you-can-eat buffet right in your kitchen. To disrupt their feast and make your home less inviting, make it a habit to inspect your produce regularly.
Remove anything that’s starting to get overly ripe and use it or dispose of it properly. Composting is a great option, but make sure your compost bin is located away from your home and is well covered to avoid attracting fruit flies outdoors.
Washing your produce as soon as you bring it home can help remove any potential fruit fly eggs, further safeguarding your kitchen from an unwelcome infestation.
Clean Your Drain
It turns out, the gunk and grime that accumulate in our drains is a buffet for fruit flies looking for a meal and a place to settle in. To get them out of there, mix equal parts boiling water and vinegar. Carefully pour it down the drain to tackle any lurking fruit fly eggs or larvae, ensuring they don’t get the chance to join their airborne relatives. If you’re feeling extra thorough, a brush dedicated to cleaning drains can help scrub away any stubborn residues.
Regularly cleaning your drains keeps them smelling fresh and cuts off a common breeding ground for fruit flies, making your kitchen a less attractive spot. If you have a bad infestation in your drain that you can’t seem to get rid of, you can find out more here about calling in a professional to eliminate the fruit fly breeding grounds for good.
Keep Countertops Clean
A sparkling countertop is a critical strategy in your fight against fruit flies. These tiny bugs are drawn to even the smallest food particles and spills that we might overlook during our daily routines. To keep them at bay, adopt a diligent cleaning regimen. Start by wiping down surfaces after every meal to make sure that any food residue, which could potentially attract fruit flies, is quickly removed.
Seal and Store Food
Fruit flies have a knack for finding their way to our fresh produce and open food containers. An effective countermeasure is to store fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator or in airtight containers. This keeps your produce fresh for longer and out of reach from flies. If you prefer having some fruits on the counter, check them often for signs of decay.
Use a Fan
Positioning a fan in strategic areas where fruit flies frequent is a clever and easy trick to keep them away. The reason behind this is straightforward: fruit flies are not strong fliers. A steady breeze generated by a fan disrupts their flight patterns, making it challenging for them to navigate, land, and, most importantly, breed.
This method is particularly effective in areas with high fruit fly activity, such as near fruit bowls, drains, or garbage bins. Remember, the goal is to make your kitchen an inhospitable environment for fruit flies, and a fan is an excellent tool for achieving that.
Sticky Fly Traps
Sticky fly traps offer a no-fuss, effective approach to managing your fruit fly problem. These traps use a special adhesive that fruit flies can’t resist landing on. Once they touch down, there’s no escaping. To maximize their effectiveness, place these traps near common fruit fly hotspots, like above your drain or trash can. Just hang or place them, and let them do the work.
Get a Basil Plant
Basil’s potent scent is a natural deterrent to fruit flies. By placing a basil plant near areas prone to flies, you create a fragrant barrier that fruit flies would rather avoid. Plus, you get the bonus of having fresh basil on hand for using in your favorite recipes.