How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies?

Flying insects are a menace during the summer season and even in early fall. When we're outside, we look for mosquito−prevention techniques, and when we're inside, we look for ant−removal techniques. The most troublesome pest, though, might sometimes be fruit flies. If you see fruit flies near your sink or a fruit dish, there is still hope. There are several natural techniques to get rid of fruit flies before applying pesticides (you can even do it without apple cider vinegar). Even if you just have five minutes, fruit flies can be easily eradicated.

Before you start, evaluate the area and begin cleaning. Since fruit flies don't appreciate clean surfaces, clear your workspace of all the debris and clean your sink and countertops. We can tell you that if you neglect this stage, the struggle against the bugs will end in failure. Next, confirm that you are dealing with fruit flies and not another flying insect, such as drain flies. Fruit flies are typically yellow in color and swarm overripe fruits like bananas or peaches.

In this tutorial, we will go step by step and show you the most effective process of getting rid of fruit flies. You need to follow the steps given below −

Locate the Source

Finding the source of the flies must be your priority. Throw away the food and clean the area if they are lingering near any open food containers. To sanitize the area, you can use any kind of cleaner. In some instances, removing the fruit flies' "home" may be sufficient to keep them away.

Keep the Trash Cans Clean

After determining the problem, check the drain in your kitchen sink. If it needs cleaning or is clogged, now is the time to fix it. Fruit flies do well in warm, humid environments where they can live and procreate.

Don't forget to check your trash cans for fruit fly activity. Fruit flies have been seen laying their eggs in trash cans, which is increasing the issue.

If they are gathering around the garbage can or if you want to stop this from happening, take out the trash and scrub the container with a powerful cleaner like bleach. Make sure the cans are thoroughly dry before using them once more.

Use the Rotten Fruit to Your Advantage

If fruit flies are still lurking, you can set a trap with items you might already have in your kitchen. This includes any food that is rotten or exposed and entices fruit flies. Take these actions −

• Put the rotten or open food in a disposable container rather than throwing it away.

• Wrap some plastic wrap around the container.

• Place the wrap where fruit flies are likely to congregate, poke a few holes in it, and wait.

• The flies ought to swarm into the trap's interior. After that, you can dispose of them as you see fit.

Continue doing this until all fruit flies have disappeared.

Use a Mixture of Dish Soap and Red Wine

Has any red wine left over that you don't intend to consume? Use it to make a fruit fly trap for a swimming pool. This is how −

• Dish soap and red wine should be combined in a disposable container before stirring. Wrap some plastic wrap around the container.

• Make a few tiny holes in the plastic film. Make certain the openings are large enough for fruit flies to enter.

• Fruit flies should be drawn to the wine, and the dish soap and wine mixture will make it difficult for any trapped flies to fly, killing them.

You can carry on in this manner until no more fruit flies are visible.

Use a Vinegar Mixture

To catch fruit flies, you might also try setting up a vinegar trap.

• Fill a disposable container with water.

• Add a few teaspoons of vinegar and sugar to the water and stir.

• Add a few drops of dish soap while mixing the ingredients.

• After mixing your solution, place the container where the fruit flies cluster. They should be lured to this solution when they come in touch with water and drown as a result.

When fruit flies start to trouble you, repeat this process.

A Fly Trap Might Work

If you're having trouble with homemade traps, go to your neighborhood hardware store and buy a sticky fly trap. Both common and fruit flies can be caught in these traps. Place the trap where the issue is, then remove it when the sticky area is full. The trap can be changed as needed.

Employ a Pest Controller

A pest control company should be your very last resort. Even though it typically succeeds, it can be pricey. The pesticides used to eradicate fruit flies can be harmful to you or your pets as well. If the fruit flies return after treatment, the business might treat your home again for free or at a discounted rate.

Preventing the Recurrence of Fruit Flies

You can take the following measures to prevent the recurrence of fruit flies −

Check the fruit before bringing it into the kitchen. Pick out berries, cherries, and other fruits from the fruits you brought inside. Any harmed fruit should be thrown outside because you might bring fruit fly eggs in from the supermarket or farmer's market. Your fresh fruit should be thoroughly dried after a careful water wash and before storing.

Keep an upkeep trap close to your fruit bowl. Fruit flies can be attracted to and drowned in any tiny container using a teaspoon of cider vinegar, two tablespoons (29.6 ml) of water, and a few drops of dish soap. It will aid in reducing population growth. During fruit fly season, clean the bowl every day and refill it with a fresh mixture.

Install screens on your windows and doors. Fruit flies enjoy eating outdoor food. Covering the entrance doors to your home with screens will keep them out of your kitchen. This is vital in particular if you have fruit trees in your backyard.

Conclusion

Fruit flies can be deterred by using scented fragrances. Fruit flies avoid fruit because most natural oils have pleasant odours that people find appetising. Even if the oils do not kill the flies, they will keep them from congregating. In a spray bottle, combine a few drops of lemongrass, eucalyptus, and maybe peppermint essential oils with a cup of water. Spray should be used in kitchen areas where fruit flies are a problem, such as the area around the faucet and the rubbish can.