Sasha CampbellNot only are fruit flies nuisance pests, but they can also spread bacteria and other microorganisms to food and food-preparation surfaces [1].
Fruit flies (Drosophila species), also known as vinegar flies or pomace flies, are attracted to ripe and overripe fruits and vegetables. You may find these pests year-round in your house, kitchen, bathroom, and basement.
Fortunately, there are many natural ways to get rid of these flies.
Where Do Fruit Flies Come From?
Fruit flies often enter homes through open doors and windows or arrive on fruits and vegetables brought in from stores and gardens.
Once they find ripe or fermenting produce, they can quickly reproduce and become a nuisance [2].
How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies Naturally
Below are some excellent home remedies and natural methods to help control fruit flies.
1. Paper Cone Trap
Fruit flies may appear when rotting fruit and vegetables are lying around. They love fermented foods, so baiting and trapping them is very easy.
Make a DIY fruit fly trap by rolling up a sheet of plain paper into a cone. Next, fit the narrow end of the paper cone inside a jar or bottle, leaving the wide part as the entry point.
A jam jar containing some overripe leftovers is ideal for this purpose. You can also pour in some cider vinegar as bait.
Once the flies are in the jar, the cone shape will make it difficult for them to exit, and they will become trapped and eventually die.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a simple home remedy for catching and killing fruit flies. Its fruity aroma attracts these critters.
To get rid of fruit flies with apple cider vinegar, fill small bowls with ACV and cover them with plastic wrap. Next, punch a few holes in the wrap to let the flies in.
Once they drop in, they will find it hard to get back out and will eventually die. This vinegar trap can also get rid of fungus gnats.
3. Vacuum Cleaner
If you have a vacuum cleaner, this is an easy way to get rid of fruit flies.
Just turn it on and point it at the fruit fly infestation. The suction will pull the flies up into the vacuum!
4. Discard Overripe and Rotten Fruits
The scent of overripe or rotting fruits will attract fruit flies from outside the house. So, the best way to avoid this situation is to properly store all ripe produce and discard any that is spoiled.
5. Essential Oils
Some essential oils may help repel fruit flies and other insect pests. These include lavender, basil, eucalyptus, lemongrass, peppermint, cloves, and even camphor.
Their strong scent may help discourage fruit flies from gathering in treated areas.
Soak cotton balls or crumpled paper towels in your essential oil. Then, place them around the kitchen and near doors and windows.
6. Dish Soap and Vinegar
This soapy mixture is excellent for getting rid of fruit flies in the house. Add dish soap to a bowl with apple cider vinegar to make a killer solution.
Place the bowl on the kitchen countertop or in other areas where these pests are found.
The smell will attract the flies, and the soap will reduce the vinegar’s surface tension, causing them to drop in and drown.
Alternatively, you can make a homemade fruit fly spray by combining 3 cups of white vinegar, 2 tablespoons of liquid soap, and 10 drops of essential oil in a spray bottle.
Shake well, then spray them.
7. Stale Beer
Stale beer is one of the best home remedies for fruit flies, as they are attracted to the smell of fermented drinks like stale beer.
Therefore, fill some bottles halfway up with beer. This remedy will likely attract fruit flies, who find it hard to escape through the bottle’s narrow neck after entering.
Mason jars can also be used. Just punch holes in the cover.
After flying around inside for a bit, they will become trapped and eventually die.
8. Clean Up
Cleaning the inside and outside of your house is a good way to get rid of all types of flies.
Remove dirty dishes and pans from kitchen sinks and surfaces as soon as possible, then wash them. Also, check any damp cloths used to clean surfaces, wash them, and hang them out to dry.
You should also check for fallen fruit outside and dispose of any that is rotting. Covering the compost bin will also help deter fruit flies in the garden.
9. Wash Produce Thoroughly
Ensure that you thoroughly wash the produce.
Washing fruits and vegetables helps remove dirt and residues. It is also a good food-safety practice before storage and consumption.
10. Empty Garbage Cans
Emptying garbage cans, both indoors and outdoors, is necessary to prevent insects from infesting the house.
Firmly close the tops and keep the surrounding areas clean. Garbage bins can also be given an extra wipe-down, and baking soda can be sprinkled inside.
11. Clean Drain Areas
This process is also essential for keeping all kinds of flies and insect pests away.
Although fruit flies usually breed in fermenting organic matter, keeping drains clean can help prevent drain flies and eliminate odors that may attract insects.
Use baking soda and vinegar to help clean drains and eliminate odors that attract flies. Borax is also powerful and is even more effective when used with salt and vinegar.
12. Arber Bio-Insecticide
Arber Bio Insecticide can help control or suppress fruit fly infestations. It is also a long-lasting deterrent to many other garden insect pests.
Use it according to the instructions.
13. Olson Fly A Way Trap Kit
This product works as a bait-and-sticky trap that catches adult flies. In doing so, it prevents them from laying eggs, thus disrupting the life cycle.
How to Prevent Fruit Flies
Preventing fruit flies is often easier than eliminating an established infestation. The following tips can help keep them from returning:
- Store ripe fruits in the refrigerator.
- Wipe up spilled juice immediately.
- Empty trash regularly.
- Clean recycling containers.
- Remove overripe produce.
- Keep compost bins covered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What causes fruit flies in the house?
Fruit flies are attracted to ripe, overripe, and fermenting fruits and vegetables. They may also be drawn to spilled juice, garbage cans, recycling bins, and compost.
How do fruit flies get into my home?
Fruit flies can get in through open doors and windows. They may also ride in on fruits and vegetables from stores, markets, or gardens.
How long do fruit flies live?
Most fruit flies live for about 40 to 50 days. Their lifespan varies based on temperature, food availability, and environmental conditions.
What is the fastest way to get rid of fruit flies?
The fastest approach is to remove their food sources and use traps made with apple cider vinegar, stale beer, or a mixture of vinegar and dish soap.
Does apple cider vinegar really attract fruit flies?
Yes. The fruity, fermented smell of apple cider vinegar attracts fruit flies, making it one of the most effective homemade baits.
Can fruit flies breed in drains?
Fruit flies usually breed in fermenting fruits and other organic matter. However, dirty drains can attract insects and may harbor other fly species, such as drain flies.
Are fruit flies harmful?
Fruit flies do not bite, but they can spread bacteria and other microorganisms to food and food preparation surfaces.
Will fruit flies go away on their own?
Fruit flies may disappear once their food and breeding sources are removed. However, traps can help speed up the process.
Do essential oils repel fruit flies?
Some essential oils, including peppermint, lavender, lemongrass, and eucalyptus, may help discourage fruit flies from gathering in treated areas.
How can I prevent fruit flies from coming back?
Store ripe produce properly. Remove overripe fruits to prevent spoilage.
Also, clean up spills promptly to avoid attracting fruit flies, and empty the trash regularly to maintain cleanliness. Keep compost bins covered to deter pests as well.
These steps help reduce attractants and breeding sites.
Takeaway
Fruit flies are attracted to ripe, overripe, and fermenting fruits and vegetables.
Luckily, you can significantly reduce their numbers with a few simple measures. For example, you can remove spoiled produce, keep surfaces clean, and set up homemade traps.
By combining several of the methods above, you can naturally keep fruit fly populations under control.
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