To get rid of fruit flies effectively, follow these steps:
1. Identify and Remove the Source
- Find and discard overripe or rotting fruits, vegetables, food scraps, and sugary spills that attract fruit flies. Dispose of these in sealed bags to prevent further attraction
2. Use Homemade Traps
- Apple Cider Vinegar Trap: Fill a jar or bowl with apple cider vinegar, add a few drops of dish soap, and cover it with plastic wrap with small holes poked in it. The vinegar attracts the flies, and the soap breaks the surface tension so they drown
- Wine or Beer Trap: Pour some red wine or stale beer into a container, add dish detergent, cover with plastic wrap with holes, and let fruit flies enter and drown
- Fruit and Vinegar Trap with Paper Cone: Place vinegar and a piece of ripe fruit in a jar, then insert a paper cone with the narrow end down into the jar opening. Flies enter but cannot escape
3. Use Commercial Sticky Traps
- Purchase sticky fly traps from hardware stores and place them near problem areas like the kitchen sink, trash, or fruit storage. Replace traps when full
4. Maintain Cleanliness and Prevent Reinfestation
- Regularly clean kitchen surfaces, take out trash often, and avoid leaving exposed food out.
- Store fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator or sealed containers.
- Compost food waste properly to avoid attracting flies
5. Additional Control Methods for Gardens (if applicable)
- Prune fruit trees to manageable sizes to facilitate control methods
- Use insect-proof netting or bags to protect fruit from flies laying eggs
- Consider bait sprays or protein bait sprays for larger infestations outdoors
Summary
The most practical and effective approach indoors is to combine removal of breeding sources with homemade vinegar or wine traps enhanced with dish soap, plus sticky traps for catching adults. Persistent cleaning and proper food storage prevent new infestations. For outdoor fruit fly control, physical barriers and bait sprays can be used
. This method is safe, affordable, and avoids harsh chemicals unless professional extermination is necessary as a last resort
