Here’s How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies Fast

What are Fruit Flies?

Fruit flies are a type of fly. Although they look similar to gnats at first glance, you can tell fruit flies apart by looking at their colour. Gnats are typically black or grey while fruit flies are light brown, red or orange. While they can appear at any time, fruit fly infestations are most likely to occur in the summer or fall with rising temperatures and fresh, ripe fruit around.

What Causes Fruit Flies?

It seems like they always appear out of nowhere, but fruit flies are attracted to overripe produce. Leftover crumbs and spills from sugary food and drink on counters can also attract fruit flies, as can a build-up of grime and food particles in your kitchen sink. Fruit flies lay eggs in these places, which means where there’s one, there are usually a lot more to come.

While fruit flies are common and tiny, these little bugs can cause big problems in the kitchen– especially if they start invading your fresh produce. Swatting them away in the moment can feel satisfying but these fruit flies can lay thousands of eggs in a short amount of time, so it’s important to remove them completely to avoid a larger infestation. 

If you have a fruit fly problem on your hands, don’t worry. There are a few options to take care of these pesky intruders. Read on to learn more about how to get rid of flies in the house.

How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies in the House

Getting rid of fruit flies is relatively easy as there a number of different methods and products available that you can try. From natural remedies to traps and sprays, just choose the method that works best for you.

Apple Cider Vinegar or Old Beer

Did you know that apple cider vinegar or old beer can be used as bait for a DIY fruit fly trap? Simply fill a shallow bowl, bottle, jar or glass with vinegar or beer, cover the top with plastic wrap and poke holes in it. The vinegar or beer will lure the fruit flies while the plastic wrap traps them in. This method is effective for removing adult fruit flies, but you will still need to do a thorough clean to get rid of the eggs and larvae.

Fruit Fly Traps and Sprays

If your DIY trap wasn’t as effective as you hoped, you can purchase fruit fly traps and sprays. Traps function the same way as the DIY method, but usually use non-toxic chemicals as bait. Some fruit fly traps even mimic the look of fruit to attract the flies. Simply leave a fruit fly trap where you see the most activity, open the top and let the bait do its work. 

An alternative version of fruit fly traps uses sticky strips that you can leave on counters, windowsills or even hang up. The sticky coating attracts, traps and kills adult fruit flies. Be mindful if you have pets and make sure to place the strips out of their reach. 

 Fruit fly sprays can be used directly on the bugs or to clean counters, garbage cans and cabinets. Most pest sprays contain non-toxic chemicals, but be sure to read the label first and be mindful of using sprays and traps near children and pets.

Removing Fruit Flies in the Drain

It’s important to make sure that you don’t leave bits of food or sugar in the sink after washing dishes. Not only can those pieces clog the drain, but they can also cause dirt and grime to build up, which can attract fruit flies. Drains also make the perfect breeding ground for these pests. There are special drain gels available that are formulated to kill fruit fly eggs and larvae. You can also use standard drain cleaners as a preventative measure to keep your drains fruit fly-free.

Do a Thorough Clean

Because fruit flies lay so many eggs, it’s important to destroy breeding sites to get rid of fruit flies for good. Scrub down sinks, countertops, cabinets and fruit bowls, and throw out rotting fruit. Clear out your drains and clean or replace garbage cans to make sure you get every spot where a fruit fly could hide.

Prevention of Fruit Flies is Key

The key to getting rid of fruit flies for good is to prevent them from invading your space in the first place. Here are a few tips to prevent your kitchen from becoming a fruit fly haven: 

• Clean up spills from fruit juice, wine, beer, soda and other sticky or sweet beverages immediately 

• Keep drains clean and clear of any food particles 

• Always clear standing water 

• Put half-empty drinks in the refrigerator 

• Be sure to clean jars, bottles and other recycling to remove sticky or sugary residue 

• Keep ripe, bruised or darkened fruit in the fridge 

• Check fruit regularly for rot or bruising 

• Take out the garbage regularly 

 Fruit flies may be annoying, but you can get rid of them. Plus, a few simple preventative measures can help ensure they never come back. If you have a fruit fly problem, take a look at the different fruit fly traps we have available to get rid of the little bugs as soon as possible.