Fruit flies, scientifically called by the name- Drosophila melanogaster, are small, annoying bugs that are often found in homes and businesses. They are tiny insects but don’t ask how annoying they are when you find them moving around in your house. More disgusting is when you find them in your kitchen or dining flying over the table. They are attracted to sweet, sugary, or fermenting foods, such as fruits and vegetables, and are especially attracted to overripe produce. Fruit flies can be difficult to get rid of once they have infested an area, but with the right preventative measures and control methods, they can be eliminated. In this blog post, we’ll discuss 10+ simple ways to get rid of fruit flies in the house.
What are the Common Causes of Fruit Flies?
• Overripe fruits and vegetables
• Unrefrigerated produce
• Dirty dishes and sinks
• Unsealed garbage cans
• Spills or crumbs on floors or counters
• Open windows or doors
Fruit flies are attracted to sweet, sugary, or fermenting foods, such as overripe fruits and vegetables. If produce is not kept refrigerated, it can attract fruit flies. Sometimes we are too lazy to clean our dishes after eating. Those dirty dishes and sinks can also be a source of attraction, as well as unsealed garbage cans, spills or crumbs on floors or counters, and open windows or doors. These works like magnets for fruit flies which attracts them well. You need to reduce sources of attraction, it can help prevent or reduce a fruit fly infestation.
What are the Common Places to Find Fruit Flies in the House?
Fruit flies can be found in many places, including kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas where food is stored or prepared. They are especially attracted to overripe fruits and vegetables, as well as dishes and sinks that have not been cleaned properly. Fruit flies can also be found near garbage cans, drains, and other areas where spills or crumbs may be present.
Prevention Tips for Fruit Flies
Fruit flies can be prevented or reduced in house by following a few simple steps. Keeping produce refrigerated, and covered, and removing unused fruits and vegetables can help reduce the chances of an infestation. Keeping counters and sinks clean, washing dishes immediately, and sealing garbage cans can also help reduce the risk of a fruit fly infestation. Additionally, it is important to clean up spills immediately, as spills can attract fruit flies. Taking these steps can help reduce the risk of a fruit fly infestation. We have discussed all these prevention methods in detail below:
1. Keep Produce Refrigerated
Keeping produce refrigerated can help reduce the chances of a fruit fly infestation. When produce is left out at room temperature, it can attract fruit flies due to the fermenting and overripe smells. Keeping produce in the refrigerator can help reduce the chances of a fruit fly infestation. Additionally, it also kills fruit flies’ eggs when refrigerated. It is recommended that you keep the tropical fruits in the refrigerator for some time before consuming or keeping them anywhere else so that you prevent yourself from accidentally bringing them to your house. Don’t underestimate the power of fruit flies’ eggs because their life cycle is too short and can populate in 1-2 weeks.
2. Keep Foods Covered
Covering foods can help keep fruit flies away, as they are attracted to the smell of fermenting or overripe fruits and vegetables. And, you must always try to keep away the attracting elements that attract fruit flies. Keep your food in containers or in places where fruit flies can’t reach.
3. Keep Counters and Sinks Clean
Cleaning counters and sinks regularly can help reduce the chances of a fruit fly infestation, as they are attracted to the smell of food and standing water. Keeping counters and sinks clean can help reduce the chances of a fruit fly infestation.
4. Wash Dishes Immediately
Don’t be lazy because this will cost you much and you will keep asking yourself why these tiny insects disturb you. Washing dishes immediately after use can help reduce the chances of a fruit fly infestation, as they are attracted to the smell of food.
5. Keep Garbage Cans Sealed
There is no reason that you should not keep your garbage cans sealed. It is a must for all houses whether or not you are haunted by fruit flies. Sealing garbage cans can help keep fruit flies away, as they are attracted to the smell of food. And garbage contains all waste and decaying foods which are the main places for fruit flies to lay their eggs. So, never be lazy in this matter. Keep garbage cans sealed and throw away garbages in 2-3 days.
6. Clean Up Spills Immediately
Spills can attract fruit flies, so it is important to clean them up immediately. Cleaning up spills right away can help reduce the chances of a fruit fly infestation. This is important because we often forget to do it quickly and this becomes an excuse for fruit flies to knock on your door to say hello.
7. Remove Unused Fruits and Vegetables
Ever heard of living a minimalistic life? Yes, less is good! No need of keeping unused fruits and vegetables. Removing unused fruits and vegetables can help reduce the chances of a fruit fly infestation. Keeping fruits and vegetables that are not being used in the refrigerator can help reduce the chances of a fruit fly infestation.
DIY Traps and Repellents for Fruit Flies in the House
If those prevention tips are not enough for you then no need to worry because we have some other defending techniques available for you that you can make at your home to get rid of fruit flies in your house. Yes, we have some DIY Fruit Fly traps that can be a big help to you.
1. DIY Fruit Fly Trap with White Vinegar and Dish Wash Soap
A DIY fruit fly trap can be made by combining a few tablespoons of white vinegar, a few drops of dish soap, and a few drops of water in a container. The container should be left open and placed in areas where fruit flies are present. The mixture will attract the fruit flies, and the dish soap will trap them.
2. DIY Apple Cider Vinegar Trap
A DIY apple cider vinegar trap can be made by combining a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, a few drops of dish soap, and a few drops of water in a container. The container should be left open and placed in areas where fruit flies are present. The mixture will attract the fruit flies, and the dish soap will trap them.
3. DIY Red Wine Trap
A DIY red wine trap can be made by combining a few tablespoons of red wine, a few drops of dish soap, and a few drops of water in a container. The container should be left open and placed in areas where fruit flies are present. The mixture will attract the fruit flies, and the dish soap will trap them.
4. DIY Soap and Water Trap
A DIY soap and water trap can be made by combining a few tablespoons of dish soap, a few drops of water, and a few drops of food coloring in a container. The container should be left open and placed in areas where fruit flies are present. The mixture will attract the fruit flies and the dish soap will trap them.
5. DIY Essential Oil Repellent
A DIY essential oil repellent can be made by combining a few drops of essential oils, such as lavender, cinnamon, or clove, with a few tablespoons of water in a spray bottle. The mixture can be sprayed in areas where fruit flies are present, and the essential oils will help repel the fruit flies.
Store-Bought Traps and Repellents for Fruit Flies in the House
There are also several store-bought traps and repellents that can be used to get rid of fruit flies. We have mentioned them in this section to make you aware of the options available to you.
1. Store-Bought Fruit Fly Traps
Store-bought fruit fly traps can be used to attract and trap fruit flies. These traps typically contain a sweet-smelling attractant to draw the fruit flies in, and a sticky substance to trap them. Also, there are UV Lights traps available that use UV lights to attract fruit flies and kill them.
2. Store-Bought Insecticides
Store-bought insecticides can be used to kill fruit flies. These insecticides typically contain chemicals that are harmful to fruit flies, and should be used with caution.
3. Store-Bought Essential Oil Repellents
Store-bought essential oil repellents can be used to repel fruit flies. These repellents typically contain essential oils such as lavender, cinnamon, or clove, which can help repel the fruit flies.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we discussed 10+ simple ways to get rid of fruit flies in the house. Prevention is key, and by following the steps outlined in this post, it can help reduce the risk of a fruit fly infestation in your house. Additionally, there are several DIY traps and repellents, as well as store-bought traps and repellents, that can be used to get rid of fruit flies. Let us know which method you are going to use or if in case we missed something then feel free to put that in the comment section. LET’S GET RID OF FRUIT FLIES FAST AND FOREVER!!!
P.S.: Don’t be so hateful to these tiny insects because they are also of great use to us. If you don’t know they are helpful for us then read how they help in the study of genetics and why scientists love them.