To get rid of fruit flies in your home effectively, here are some proven methods you can try:
- DIY Apple Cider Vinegar Trap
- Pour half an inch of apple cider vinegar into a bowl or jar.
- Add a drop of dish soap to break the surface tension, so fruit flies sink.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap secured by a rubber band.
- Poke small holes in the wrap for the flies to enter but not exit.
- Place the trap near fruit fly activity like kitchen counters or trash bins.
- Ripe Fruit Trap
- Place a piece of overripe fruit in a jar or container.
- Cover with plastic wrap secured by a rubber band.
- Poke small holes in the wrap.
- Fruit flies attracted to the smell get trapped inside.
- Vinegar and Dish Soap Trap (Alternative)
- Fill a bowl with white vinegar and add 3–4 drops of dish soap.
- Mix gently and leave uncovered near fruit fly hotspots.
- Flies attracted to vinegar drown due to soap breaking surface tension.
- Use Old Wine or Beer
- Leave a small amount of wine or beer in an open container with a narrow neck to trap flies.
- Add dish soap for better trapping effect.
- Clean and Remove Breeding Sources
- Dispose of overripe or rotting fruit.
- Clean kitchen surfaces, drains, and trash cans regularly.
- Store fresh fruit in the refrigerator to avoid attracting flies.
- Additional Tips
- Use store-bought sticky traps if DIY options don’t fully work.
- Spray visible flies with rubbing alcohol, avoiding spraying fruit directly.
- If infestation persists, consider hiring an exterminator.
These methods are environmentally friendly, easy to set up, and use common household items. Combining traps with good cleaning practices is the key to quickly reducing and eliminating fruit flies from your home.
