How to get rid of fruit flies in the house forever!

They are not only a nuisance but also carry bacteria that can contaminate food and lead to food poisoning. Getting rid of fruit flies is not an easy task, but with the right techniques and tools, it can be done effectively.

How to identify a fruit fly

Fruit flies are tan, yellow, or light brown in colour, with bright red or black eyes. They are roughly 2.5 to 4 millimetres in size. Their antennae have three segments; the third segment resembles a fluffy bristle. 

Where do fruit flies come from?

Ripe fruits and vegetables in the kitchen are particularly appealing to fruit flies. In addition, they will procreate in drains, garbage disposals, empty bottles and cans, trash cans, mops, and cleaning cloths. Development only requires a wet coating of fermenting material.

Overripe fruits or vegetables that have been infected in the past and brought into the house can be the source of infestations. Inadequately screened windows and doors also allow the adults to fly in from the outside.

How to get rid of fruit flies in the house

Below, we have listed a few key teachings on how to kill fruit flies in the home. 

Identify the source of the problem

Before you start getting rid of fruit flies, it's important to find the source of the infestation. This could be a rotting drain or even a spill that has not been cleaned up. Check areas such as the garbage can, fruit bowls, and kitchen counters for any signs of food waste or spills that could be attracting the flies.

Clean and disinfect

Once you have identified the source of the problem, it's crucial to clean and disinfect the area thoroughly. This will remove any attractive scents and prevent new flies from being attracted. The easiest way is to learn how to get rid of fruit flies with white vinegar. Use a combination of vinegar and water to wipe down surfaces, and make sure to clean any drains or garbage disposals that may be harbouring flies.

Use fruit fly traps

Using traps is one of the best ways to get rid of fruit flies inside. There are many different kinds of traps available, including sticky tape traps, vinegar traps, and even homemade traps. 

To make a homemade trap, mix equal parts apple cider vinegar (ACV) and dish soap in a small bowl, and cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Make a few small holes in the plastic wrap, and place the bowl where the fruit flies are most active. The flies will be drawn by the vinegar scent, and the dish soap will break the surface tension, causing them to drown. Change the solution once you think the bowl is saturated with dead flies.

Use essential oils

Essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, and clove oil can be used to deter fruit flies. Simply add a few drops of the oil to a cotton ball, and place the cotton balls in areas where the flies are present. The strong scent of the oils will repel the flies and prevent them from laying eggs.

Practise good food storage

Good food storage practices are key to preventing fruit fly infestations. Make sure to store all fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator, and dispose of any overripe or rotting produce promptly. Also, be sure to tightly seal all containers, especially those containing sugary or fermented substances.

If you have a lot of ripe fruit in the house, try to make the following recipes so that it can be used up quickly:

• Fruit kebabs with homemade yoghurt
  
• Tasty fruit salad
  
• Fruit smoothie
  
• Easy fruit tart
  
• Knickerbocker glory recipe
  
• Açaí Bowl
  
• Overnight oats with summer fruit
  
• Spicy jicama, grapefruit and mango salad

Keep your home well-ventilated

Good ventilation can help prevent fruit fly infestations by removing any attractive scents and preventing moist conditions that are ideal for the flies. Make sure to open windows and doors regularly, and use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom to help keep the air circulating.

Seek professional help

You might need to get professional assistance if you can't get rid of fruit flies or vinegar flies on your own. Pest control companies offer effective and efficient solutions to eliminate fruit fly infestations.

To sum up, it can be difficult to get rid of fruit flies, but with the correct equipment and methods, it is possible to effectively control these pests. Practise good food storage, keep your home well-ventilated, and use traps and essential oils to deter the flies.

If necessary, seek professional help to eliminate a persistent infestation. By following these actions, you can ensure a fruit fly-free home. These actions will guarantee a home free of fruit flies.