To get rid of fruit flies effectively, follow these steps:
1. Identify and eliminate the source
- Find where fruit flies are breeding, such as overripe or rotting fruit, vegetables, or food scraps.
- Dispose of any infested or spoiled produce and clean the surrounding area thoroughly to remove eggs and larvae
2. Clean your kitchen and common areas
- Wipe down countertops, sinks, and drains to remove food residues.
- Clean kitchen sink drains with boiling water or a disinfectant to kill eggs and larvae.
- Take out trash regularly and clean trash cans to prevent breeding sites
3. Use DIY traps to catch and kill fruit flies
- Apple cider vinegar trap: Fill a container with apple cider vinegar, add a drop of dish soap to break surface tension, cover with plastic wrap, and poke small holes. Fruit flies enter but cannot escape and drown
- Wine or beer trap: Pour a small amount of red wine or beer into a bottle or jar, add dish soap, and cover with a paper cone or plastic wrap with holes. The flies are attracted by the smell and trapped inside
- Rotten fruit trap: Place some rotten fruit in a jar with a paper cone lid or plastic wrap with holes to lure flies in
- These traps can be made easily with household items and are very effective at reducing adult fruit flies
4. Use commercial options if needed
- Sticky fly traps and insect sprays can kill adult fruit flies but may not affect eggs.
- Aerosol space sprays and insect growth regulators are options for severe infestations but require careful use and safety precautions
5. Maintain cleanliness to prevent recurrence
- Store fresh produce in the refrigerator or sealed containers.
- Keep kitchen surfaces clean and dry.
- Dispose of overripe fruit promptly and keep trash sealed
By combining thorough cleaning, removal of breeding sites, and effective trapping, you can get rid of fruit flies and prevent them from returning
