How to get rid of fruit flies in the house forever!
3/24/2023
5 min. reading
Source: www.unsplash.com
Fruit flies, also known as vinegar flies, are a common pest in households around the world. These tiny insects are attracted to overripe fruits and vegetables, sugary substances, and fermented liquids such as wine, beer, and vinegar, which is where they get their name.
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:
:brightness(2):contrast(2):rgb(2,-2,0):sharpen(0.2,0.2,true)/comau/recipe/qb48tO_g84Fw4kLLAQkw/d73018276a6d169c5d40af751269f0.jpeg "Easy fruit kebabs recipe with homemade yoghurt")
Easy fruit kebabs recipe with homemade yoghurt
Eating fruits is always good for your body. Now, fruit kebabs are a new way to enjoy your favourite fruits. It's healthy, fresh and delicious. With this recipe, learn how to make fruit kebabs with homemade yoghurt.
:brightness(2):contrast(2):rgb(2,-2,0):sharpen(0.2,0.2,true)/comau/recipe/zP730NEFMSkIdfhC6rMQ/87b8631d7ed558c0b8918aa28d28eb.jpeg "Easy and tasty fruit salad recipe")
Easy and tasty fruit salad recipe
This easy recipe teaches how to make the best homemade fruit salad. It's tasty and perfect for summer. Enjoy!
:brightness(2):contrast(2):rgb(2,-2,0):sharpen(0.2,0.2,true)/comau/recipe/R6kMEKHVAZ0ZIRDcrB11/abd7c1cbb7f8c247379f6517d821c8.jpeg "How to make a fruit smoothie at home?")
How to make a fruit smoothie at home?
This easy recipe teaches how to make the best fruit smoothie at home. Don't miss it!
:brightness(2):contrast(2):rgb(2,-2,0):sharpen(0.2,0.2,true)/comau/recipe/NgfDi4gpHTONfqJoapk8/fd4a8dacefffb1fc69940bb55fd533.jpeg "Easy and delicious fruit tart recipe")
Easy and delicious fruit tart recipe
Fruit tart is easy to cook at home. Following this easy recipe, you'll have the most delicious fruit tart that you have ever taste.
:brightness(2):contrast(2):rgb(2,-2,0):sharpen(0.2,0.2,true)/comau/recipe/vs0ap0VZUsYklMq-jgbf/8f35fbef19ec50255f963ccda38bd6.jpeg "Homemade passion fruit and mango Knickerbocker glory recipe")
Homemade passion fruit and mango Knickerbocker glory recipe
This easy recipe teaches how to make the best homemade passion fruit and mango Knickerbocker glory dessert recipe. Don't miss it!
:brightness(2):contrast(2):rgb(2,-2,0):sharpen(0.2,0.2,true)/com/recipe/0n916iEAX22Kt2VpZdOV/0b448a6d02f25232b5e7066f21fb80.jpg "Açaí Bowl")
Açaí Bowl
Super-healthy antioxidant açaí berries are the beautifully purple center of this delicious breakfast bowl or afternoon after-yoga pick-me-up. It’s actually a two-part recipe. First, you blend up a straight-up smoothie, with unsweetened açaí purée (we like the one from Sambazon), frozen banana and peach slices, apple, honey, coconut milk, and—for extra body and protein—a bit of natural almond butter. The second part is what goes on top, a freestyle mix of whatever texture.
:brightness(2):contrast(2):rgb(2,-2,0):sharpen(0.2,0.2,true)/com/recipe/j_5PSaVDv3YQ1sU41Ki6/a26adf91166793889a557186b2290c.jpg "Overnight Oats with Summer Fruit")
Overnight Oats with Summer Fruit
Time can be short in the morning, and you know breakfast is important. With overnight oats, you slap it together the night before and have it ready in the fridge to grab quickly and eat on the go. It’s a balanced, nutritious, homemade breakfast that’s delicious too: There’s fiber, protein, probiotics, calcium, and fresh fruit in this recipe. So much better than store-bought cereal.
:brightness(2):contrast(2):rgb(2,-2,0):sharpen(0.2,0.2,true)/com/recipe/uvOcq0NKNZjuZPRQCAlZ/61e8bc0dace4b6b05e7ac6a8398147.jpg "Spicy Jicama, Grapefruit, and Mango Salad")
Spicy Jicama, Grapefruit, and Mango Salad
For this healthy, refreshing salad recipe, jicama combines with ruby grapefruit and mango with lime, cayenne pepper, and cilantro.
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.
