How To Get Rid of Fruit Flies for Good

While fruit flies are relatively harmless, they can be incredibly annoying and unsanitary, especially when they invade your fresh produce and pantry items. Understanding what attracts fruit flies and knowing how to get rid of them can help you maintain a cleaner, healthier home environment.

In this blog, the pest control experts at Home Paramount Pest Control explain what causes fruit flies and share top methods to eliminate them for good.

What Causes Fruit Flies?

Fruit flies are attracted to ripe or rotting produce, which provide the perfect environment for them to breed; however, these pesky insects aren’t picky. They can also be drawn to other fermenting or decaying organic matter, including:

• Empty bottles and cans: The residue left in empty containers, especially those with sugary beverages like fruit juice and soda, can lure fruit flies.
• Spilled sugary drinks or food: Even a few drops of juice or a tiny piece of fruit can attract fruit flies.
• Trash bins: Fruit flies can easily find their way into trash bins that are not regularly emptied or properly sealed.
• Unclean drains: The buildup of food particles and gunk in drains can create a breeding ground for fruit flies.

By addressing these common sources, you can reduce the likelihood of a fruit fly infestation. However, if fruit flies have already made a home out of your living environment, there are a few methods you can try to eliminate them for good.

Top 5 Ways To Get Rid of Fruit Flies

1. Apple Cider Vinegar Trap

One popular method for trapping and eliminating fruit flies is by using apple cider vinegar. Here’s how you can make a simple trap:

• Fill a small bowl or jar with apple cider vinegar.
• Add a few drops of dish soap to break the surface tension.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and poke a few holes in it.

The flies will be attracted to the vinegar, enter through the holes, and become trapped. By reducing the surface tension, the dish soap makes it difficult for the flies to escape.

2. DIY Fruit Fly Spray

If you need to quickly reduce the number of fruit flies in your home, a homemade spray can help. Combine rubbing alcohol or water with a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray the flies directly to knock them out of the air. This method provides an immediate solution, though it will be harder to eliminate the entire infestation this way. This method is best when used in combination with others to address the root cause of the fruit flies.

3. Use a Fruit Trap

Fruit flies are naturally attracted to the smell of ripe fruit. You can use this to your advantage by setting up a simple yet effective fruit trap:

• Place a piece of overripe fruit in a bowl.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and secure it with a rubber band.
• Poke small holes in the plastic wrap to allow the flies to enter.

Once inside, the flies will be unable to escape and can be disposed of easily.

4. Clean Your Drains Regularly

Since fruit flies often breed in drains, keeping them clean is essential. Pour boiling water or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down your drains to kill off any larvae or eggs. Doing this regularly will help keep fruit flies from using your drains as a breeding ground.

5. Eliminate Sources of Attraction

Prevention is key to keeping fruit flies at bay. Be sure to:

• Store ripe fruit in the refrigerator.
• Keep kitchen surfaces clean and free of crumbs and spills.
• Take out the trash regularly and use bins with tight-fitting lids.
• Rinse out empty bottles and cans before placing them in the recycling.

By eliminating potential food sources and breeding sites, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of future fruit fly infestations.

Request a Free Fruit Fly Inspection Today!

While these DIY methods can help control fruit fly populations, persistent infestations will require professional intervention. If you’re struggling to get rid of fruit flies, Home Paramount Pest Control can provide a lasting solution. Our experts offer free fruit fly inspections to identify the source of your problem and recommend the best treatment options.

Don’t let fruit flies take over your home — contact us to book a free fruit fly inspection today!