Fruit fly invasion in your kitchen? Here are a few easy ways to get rid of fruit flies using household supplies instead of pesticides in your home.
The Fruit Fly Problem & How To Get Rid of Them
Ugh, fruit flies! There’s nothing worse than those pesky little critters buzzing around your kitchen. I know, I know – talking about bugs is gross, but trust me, having them in your house is even grosser!
Preventing a fruit fly infestation is often easier than you think. By following a few simple steps, you can create a fruit fly-free zone in your home.
I’ll show you a few natural DIY ways to get rid of them using stuff you probably already have in your kitchen. Then talk about how to prevent these little buggers from showing up in the first place.
DIY Fruit Fly Traps
Let’s get rid of those annoying fruit flies once and for all with some easy, DIY traps. The best part is you probably have everything you need right in your kitchen right now!
Fruit Fly Trap- Bowl Method
Grab a small bowl or even a small cup that holds at least 1 cup of liquid. You will also need apple cider vinegar, dish soap, and some water.
- Fill a small bowl or cup with 2/3 cup vinegar.
- Add a few drops of dish soap
- Add a squirt of water
- Place the trap near the area where the fruit flies are present.
- The flies will be attracted to the scent of the vinegar and get trapped in the soapy solution.
Pour the apple cider into a small bowl
Add a few drops of dish soap to the vinegar (those little suckers won’t be able to fly out!)
Now add a squirt of water to make some bubbles in the dish.
That’s it! It’s a good idea to make a couple of bowls of the DIY fruit fly trap and place them around your kitchen to catch as many of the fruit flies as you can.
I change out the solution every couple of days until the flies are gone.
DIY Fruit Fly Apple Cider Vinegar Trap: Jar Method
Now here is my second easy method on how to get rid of fruit flies. Exciting stuff I know! This is a variation on the first method but is also quite effective.
We are starting with the same two ingredients, dish soap, and apple cider vinegar.
This time you will need a glass jar, plastic wrap, an elastic, and a toothpick.
- Fill a small bowl or jar with apple cider vinegar.
- Add a few drops of dish soap to break the surface tension.
- Cover the container with plastic wrap and secure it with a rubber band.
- Poke several small holes in the plastic wrap.
The fruit flies will be attracted to the vinegar, enter through the holes, and get trapped.
2 Other Fruit Fly Trap Methods To Try
In case you don’t have vinegar on hand try these methods to rid your kitchen of fruit flies!
Fruit Method
- Take a piece of overripe fruit, such as a banana or peach.
- Place it in a bowl or jar and cover the top with plastic wrap.
- Poke small holes in the plastic wrap.
- The fruit flies will be attracted to the rotting fruit and get trapped.
Wine Method
- Pour a small amount of wine into a jar or glass, leaving about an inch at the bottom.
- Cover the opening with plastic wrap and secure it with a rubber band.
- Poke a few small holes in the plastic wrap.
- The fruit flies will be attracted to the wine and become trapped inside.
Now let’s get those little buggers!!
Prevent Fruit Flies Before They Start
Preventing a fruit fly infestation is often easier than dealing with one. Here are some essential tips to keep your kitchen fruit fly-free:
Keep Your Kitchen Clean
A clean kitchen is a fruit fly’s worst enemy. Tiny spills and crumbs can quickly become breeding grounds.
- Wipe down counters: After each meal, wipe down countertops, stoves, and dining tables to remove any food residue.
- Clean dishes promptly: Don’t let dirty dishes pile up in the sink. Food particles can attract fruit flies.
- Take out the trash: Regularly empty your trash cans to prevent odors that lure fruit flies. Use bags with tight closures.
Proper Food Storage
Storing food correctly can significantly reduce the chances of a fruit fly infestation.
- Refrigerate ripe fruits and vegetables: This slows down the ripening process and makes them less attractive to fruit flies.
- Use airtight containers: Store fruits and vegetables in sealed containers to prevent fruit flies from accessing them.
- Inspect produce regularly: Check fruits and vegetables for signs of spoilage and discard any that are past their prime.
- Wash fruit as soon as you bring it home from the store, it could have picked up fruit flies or eggs at the market. (not including berries which will mold quicker by being wet)
By following these prevention tips, you can create an environment that is less appealing to fruit flies.
Thanks for the tips! Sink overflow, that little hole near the top of the bathroom/kitchen sink, can also be a breeding spot. Fruit flies often breed in the gunk hidden there, so flushing it with boiling water or vinegar mix once a week helps stop a recurring infestation.
A great post and tips! I hate those pesty fruit flies.
Wow! Fast solution. Thanks
Yes!! Glad you found it!
We have them at work and when I tell you my coworkers and I just read this post together, I’m not kidding!! Using two of your methods, now!!
Girl, you know exactly what I needed. My house is invaded. Can’t wait to try these methods.
Aren’t they annoying!!
Thanks, Jennifer this will really come in handy, so glad you shared it.
Your welcome! They are such little pains!
Fruit flies are so irritating! This is such great information for getting rid of them! Thanks, Jennifer!
They really are!!