The warm weather brings ice cream, barbecues, long evenings, and…fruit flies! Fortunately, catching them is easier than you think. We can help you get rid of those pesky fruit flies in your home with these few tips!
Fruit flies come from outside and are mainly attracted to overripe fruits. For instance, bananas that are starting to turn a little brown are a feast for them. The flies lay their eggs on the skin so that their offspring can eat them.
In addition to the fruit in the fruit bowl, the fruit flies are also attracted to waste. If there is food waste in the house, fruit flies will survive and reproduce. They keep coming back, and closing the doors and windows does not help as they can get through every tiny corner, so what can you do now?
Clean up Leftovers
First of all, it is smart to clean up leftover food immediately, and not to mention to change garbage bags. If there are any leftovers, it is best to put them in the refrigerator as much as possible and keep the kitchen clean. Instead of waiting for days, put rotten fruits and vegetables in the trash right away.
Get Rid of Fruit Flies With Vinegar
Are you fed up with flies, and it’s about time for a harsher solution? Then put some vinegar and dishwashing detergent in a jar. The flies like the smell of vinegar and will be attracted to it. Apple cider vinegar works even better. The fruit flies will try to land on the water, and the chemicals in the detergent will cause them to sink and die.
A Fruit Fly Catcher
It is very easy to make your own fruit flycatcher. All you need is paper, a glass, and fruit or liquor. Put the fruit or liquor in the glass. Then, make a funnel with the paper and put the thin side into the glass. Make sure the corners of the glass are well covered. Fruit flies, attracted by the smell of the fruit or drink, will fly through the funnel and into the glass. If the glass is tightly covered, they won’t be able to get out.
Use Fragrance
For this solution, you will need a lemon and a plastic container. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice into the container. Then place the lemon in the container as well. Use a screwdriver or scissors to make a hole in the lid of the container. Place this container in a place where fruit flies usually come.
If you have a lot of fruit flies, you can also heat the container in a microwave oven; heat it for 15-30 seconds. Your kitchen will smell great, and the fruit flies will die!
Replace Old Sponges, Mops, and Cleaning Wipes
Fruit flies lay their eggs on acidic sponges and cloths. If you haven’t replaced your kitchen sponge recently, do so now. Also, make sure no fruit flies are flying around your mops and clothes, and throw away all reusable tea towels in the wash.
Clean the Drains
Since fruit flies like sewage, they may come out of the drain. A clogged drain may be the cause, and you should get it cleaned.
Wash Dishes Immediately, Especially Wine and Juice Glasses
Don’t wait until the end of the day to wash dishes, especially glasses with juice or wine and knives with jam. If you don’t have time to do the dishes right away, at least wash the dirty plates, glasses, and cutlery well to remove any heavy stains. If you have a dishwasher, rinse the dishes well, put them directly into the dishwasher, close it well, and turn it on as often as possible.
How do you prevent fruit flies in your home? Let us know in the comments below!
