Eliminating fruit flies forever using 9 safe techniques

In the warmer months, fruit flies can become a nuisance in households across the country. These tiny pests, which resemble fruit flies, can be a breeding ground for flies in houseplants and potted herbs. But fear not, as there are several natural and effective solutions to get rid of fruit flies and prevent future infestations.

First and foremost, reducing waste in the kitchen is key. Regularly cleaning kitchens, including sweeping and mopping the floor, emptying and cleaning garbage cans frequently, and dealing with spills immediately, can help eliminate food sources for fruit flies. Storing ripe fruits in the fridge can also help prevent fruit flies.

For those looking for homemade solutions, there are several traps that can be easily made. An apple cider vinegar trap, for instance, can be created by filling a glass with apple cider vinegar, adding a drop of dish soap to break surface tension, and covering it with plastic wrap punctured with small holes or leaving it open to trap flies. Similarly, an open glass of red wine can lure and trap fruit flies.

Lemons with cloves and lavender oil or scent sachets are also effective repellents. Placing lemon halves studded with cloves nearby repels fruit flies due to their strong scent, while fruit flies dislike lavender oil or scent sachets.

Paper funnel traps and yeast and sugar traps are other natural solutions. A paper funnel can be inserted into a glass with vinegar or overripe fruit so flies enter but cannot escape, while a mixture of brown sugar, yeast, and warm water with dish soap can be used as a fast-acting non-toxic trap.

In addition to traps, cleaning surfaces is crucial. Wiping kitchen surfaces, cabinets, and trash cans with soapy water or disinfectant can remove food residues that attract flies. Washing fruit when you bring them home and drying them thoroughly can also prevent mold and further attraction. Proper fruit storage, such as storing fruit dry and ventilated, avoiding plastic bags where moisture builds up, and using or refrigerating overripe fruit quickly, can help prevent fruit flies.

Commercial sticky traps can also be used to catch flies without chemicals, reducing their numbers. Combining several of these methods—traps, cleaning, repelling scents, and prevention—provides the best control over fruit flies and prevents infestations from recurring.

These natural and additional techniques are effective, low-cost, and safe alternatives to chemical sprays. By implementing these methods, you can keep your kitchen and home fruit fly-free and enjoy your fresh produce without the pesky interruptions.

[1] University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. (2016). Fruit Flies: What are They and How to Get Rid of Them. [online] Available at: https://ucanr.edu/sites/integratedpestmanagement/files/300024.pdf

[2] The Spruce. (2021). How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies Naturally. [online] Available at: https://www.thespruceeats.com/how-to-get-rid-of-fruit-flies-naturally-1423043

[3] The Spruce. (2021). How to Make a Homemade Fruit Fly Trap. [online] Available at: https://www.thespruceeats.com/homemade-fruit-fly-trap-3027940

[4] The Spruce. (2021). How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies Fast. [online] Available at: https://www.thespruceeats.com/get-rid-of-fruit-flies-fast-4144681

[5] The Spruce. (2021). How to Prevent Fruit Flies. [online] Available at: https://www.thespruceeats.com/how-to-prevent-fruit-flies-3027939