Fewer things prove to be as much of a nuisance within the home as an invasion of those pesky fruit flies. These tiny insects can invade your kitchen and other areas, ruining your enjoyment of food and drinks.
Anything from rotting food to a spilt soft drink can attract fruit flies into your home, but the good news is that getting rid of them is easier than it might seem.
To help households, pest control expert Jonathan Nicholls at HomeHow shares some effective methods to remove fruit flies from your home and preventative measures to keep them at bay in the future.
Understanding the fruit fly life cycle
In order to effectively tackle a fruit fly infestation, you will need to first understand their life cycle. 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.
Effective Methods to get rid of fruit flies
Create traps
One of the simplest ways to deal with fruit flies is to create traps using common household items. Here are some effective traps you can set to eliminate the issue:
Apple Cider Vinegar Trap: 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.
Wine or Beer Trap: Similar to the vinegar trap, 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.
Soap and Water Solution: This 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.
Clean Your Home
Thorough cleaning is absolutely essential when it comes to getting rid of fruit flies. Start by removing any overripe fruits or vegetables that have started to ferment and dispose of them properly. 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.
Seal entry points
Fruit flies can sneak into your home through open doors, windows, or even the tiniest of cracks in your walls. Ensure that your windows and doors are in good condition, and consider installing draught excluders. Regularly check and seal any gaps that could allow these small invaders access to your home.
Reduce sources of attraction
The key to getting rid of fruit flies is finding out what exactly it is that attracted them in the first place and getting rid of it. Whilst dealing with the infestation, it is a good idea to store fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator rather than leaving them out on the counters. Keep all food stored in sealed containers and maintain a clean, waste-free environment.
Preventative measures for the future
Once you have rid your home of fruit flies, it is time to prevent them from making a comeback in the future. Here are some top tips:
Regular cleaning
Setting daily cleaning routines is vital in stopping a fruit fly infestation occurring, especially in the kitchen area after preparing meals. Wipe down surfaces, sweep and mop the floor to remove food particles, and empty bins regularly.
Inspect your produce
When purchasing fruits and vegetables, you should inspect them closely to avoid bringing home any overripe or damaged produce. As we have discussed, these items can become a breeding ground for fruit flies, so they are best kept out of your space.
Be wary of fermentation
It is important to be aware that fruit flies are attracted to fermenting items and to act fast if we find any lying around. Dispose of any fermented fruit and vegetables immediately, and if you have an open bottle of wine or a half-finished soft drink, make sure to cover them or store them properly.
Monitor houseplants
Houseplants are a wonderful addition to any home and often provide a number of benefits for both our physical and mental health. Sometimes, however, fruit flies can emerge from the soil of houseplants, particularly if the soil is overly moist. Make sure to keep a close eye on your plants, allowing the soil to dry out between watering.
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