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August 26, 2024Fruit Flies, Home Inspection, Pests, Prevention

Eliminate Fruit Flies: Prevention Tips

Fruit flies are the tiny, pesky invaders that seem to appear out of nowhere, swarming around your kitchen and making themselves at home in your fruit bowl. As irritating as they are, fruit flies are also notoriously difficult to eliminate once they’ve settled in.

But don’t worry; you’re not alone in this battle. We’re here to guide you through practical strategies to eliminate fruit flies and prevent them from returning.

Understanding the Enemy: What Are Fruit Flies?

Small but Mighty Annoying: Fruit flies are tiny, usually about 1/8 inch long, with red eyes and a tan or brownish body. They’re often found near ripe or rotting fruits and vegetables, but they can also be drawn to drains, trash cans, and even your favorite glass of wine.

Why Do They Invade?: These pests are attracted to the fermenting sugars in overripe fruits and vegetables. They lay their eggs on these surfaces, and within just a few days, those eggs hatch into larvae. Before you know it, you’ve got a full-blown fruit fly infestation on your hands.

How to Eliminate Fruit Flies

1. Start with a Deep Clean: The first step to eliminating fruit flies is to remove their food sources. Toss out any overripe or rotting produce, and place any other food in the refrigerator or air-tight containers. Clean your kitchen thoroughly, and pay special attention to areas where food particles have accumulated, like under appliances, around the edges of countertops, and inside your garbage disposal.
2. Set Traps: Fruit fly traps are a simple and effective way to catch and kill these pests. Scroll down to the next section of this blog to see some popular store-bought and DIY fruit fly traps. Place these traps around your kitchen to significantly reduce the fruit fly population.
3. Clear the Drains: Fruit flies often breed in moist, organic matter that can accumulate in drains. Pour boiling water or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down your drains to eliminate any eggs or larvae hiding there. This helps with fruit flies and keeps your drains clean and fresh.
4. Empty the Trash Regularly: Fruit flies love trash cans—especially those filled with food scraps and peels. Make sure to empty your trash regularly, and consider using a trash can with a tight-fitting lid. If possible, rinse food containers before tossing them to reduce the attraction.

Top-Reviewed Fruit Fly Traps

When it comes to getting rid of the occasional fruit fly, some options are available in stores and online. However, not all traps are created equal. Here are some of the top-reviewed fruit fly traps:

1. TERRO Fruit Fly Trap: This trap has an apple-shaped design that is both discreet and effective. It uses a non-toxic, food-based liquid to lure fruit flies in, where they become trapped and eventually drown.
2. FlyPunch! Fruit Fly Trap: FlyPunch! is another highly-rated option that’s safe for use around food. The trap is made with natural ingredients and is specifically designed to attract and trap fruit flies. Simply open the container and place it in an area where fruit flies are a problem.
3. Green Gobbler Fruit Fly Killer: Green Gobbler’s Fruit Fly Killer targets fruit flies that breed in drains. The gel formula coats the inside of your drain pipes, killing fruit flies and eliminating the source of the infestation.

DIY Fruit Fly Traps

If you prefer a homemade approach, there are also DIY traps you can try:

1. Apple Cider Vinegar Trap: One of the most popular DIY fruit fly traps is made with apple cider vinegar. Fill a small bowl with apple cider vinegar and add a few drops of dish soap. The vinegar attracts the fruit flies, and the soap breaks the surface tension, causing them to drown. Place the bowl near fruit fly hotspots and watch the population dwindle.
2. Fruit Trap: Place a piece of overripe fruit (like a banana slice) in a jar for this DIY trap. Cover the top of the jar with plastic wrap and secure it with a rubber band. Poke a few small holes in the plastic wrap. The fruit flies will be drawn to the fruit, enter the jar, and then struggle to find their way out. Once you’ve caught enough flies, you can dispose of them outside.
3. Wine Trap: If you’ve got a bit of leftover red wine, it can be repurposed as a fruit fly trap. Pour a small amount of wine into a glass and add a few drops of dish soap. The wine attracts the flies, and the soap ensures they can’t escape. It’s an effective—and somewhat poetic—way to deal with these pests.

Preventing Future Infestations

You can buy all the traps under the sun, but if you don’t get to the root of the issue, you’ll never truly eliminate a fruit fly infestation. So, here are the steps to take to prevent them in the future:

1. Store Produce Properly: Store your produce in the refrigerator or sealed containers to prevent fruit flies from returning. This limits their access to potential breeding grounds and keeps your food fresher for longer. If you enjoy having fruit on the counter, be sure to consume it quickly and discard any items that are beginning to over-ripen.
2. Keep Surfaces Clean: Fruit flies are drawn to even the tiniest food particles, so maintaining a clean kitchen is critical. Wipe down countertops daily, clean up spills immediately, and take care of any hidden food debris regularly.
3. Monitor and Maintain Drains: As mentioned earlier, drains can be a breeding ground for fruit flies. Regularly clean your drains with boiling water or a natural cleaner to prevent fruit flies from laying eggs. This simple maintenance step can make a big difference in keeping your kitchen pest-free.
4. Seal Entry Points: Though fruit flies are tiny, they can still enter your home through gaps and cracks around windows and doors. Make sure to seal these entry points with caulk or weatherstripping to keep fruit flies and other pests outside where they belong.

When to Call in the Experts

Professional Help When Needed: Sometimes, despite your best efforts, fruit flies can be persistent. If you’ve tried everything and still can’t seem to get rid of them, it might be time to call in the professionals.

At Bug House, we understand the frustration of dealing with fruit flies and are here to help. Our team of experts can assess your situation and provide targeted treatments to eliminate the problem at its source.

Bug House Gets the Bugs Out

Fruit flies may be small, but they can be a big nuisance. By following these tips, you can eliminate existing fruit flies and prevent future infestations, keeping your kitchen and sanity intact. Remember, if you need a helping hand, Bug House Pest Control is here to help.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We proudly serve Bug House customers throughout Georgia in Augusta, Carrollton, Columbus, Dublin, Eastman, Forsyth, Lake Oconee, Macon, Madison, McDonough, Milledgeville, Monroe, Sandersville, Savannah, St. Simons, Warner Robins, and Watkinsville.