There is no nuisance quite like the invasion of pesky fruit flies in your home. The tiny insects often invade your kitchen and other areas during the summer months, and can linger around your food and drinks. Anything from rotting food to a spilt drink can attract these flies into your home, but there is one easy and simple way to get rid of them using an ingredient you probably already have in your cupboard. Pest control expert Jonathan Nicholls at HomeHow.co.uk has explored the most effective methods to banish fruit flies from your home as well as preventative measures to keep them away for good. “In order to effectively tackle a fruit fly infestation, you will need to first understand their life cycle,” Jonathan explains. “Adult fruit flies are attracted to sources within the home, such as fermented fruits and vegetables or sugary substances. The female flies then lay hundreds of eggs on the surface of these items, which hatch into larvae within just a day. “This rapid reproductive cycle means that, if not addressed promptly, an infestation problem can get out of hand in no time. “By knowing how these pests thrive, you can better target your efforts to eliminate them – Remember that the breeding ground will need to be addressed, as well as the adult flies.” One of the most simple yet effective methods to getting rid of fruit flies is by creating traps using common household items such as apple cider vinegar. Start by pouring a small amount of apple cider vinegar into a bowl or jar before covering it with cling film and poking small holes in the top. The sweet aroma through the small holes will attract the flies, while the cling film will trap them inside. Similar to the vinegar trap, you can also pour a small amount of wine or beer into a container. The scent will lure the fruit flies, causing them to fall in and drown. Another trick is as simple as mixing water with a few drops of dish soap in a bowl. The soap will break the surface tension of the water, making it difficult for the flies to escape once they land. Jonathan also says that thorough cleaning is ‘absolutely essential’ when it comes to getting rid of fruit flies, and stopping them from coming into your home in the first place. “Start by removing any overripe fruits or vegetables that have started to ferment and dispose of them properly,” he says. “Wipe down surfaces, especially places where sticky residues from food and drinks may accumulate, such as countertops, tables, and the interiors of your cupboards. “Lastly, don’t forget to regularly deep clean your sink, as food particles can often hide in the drain, providing a perfect breeding ground for these fruit flies.”