How To Get Rid Of Fruit Flies

How To Get Rid Of Fruit Flies
April 25, 2022
How To Get Rid Of Fruit Flies

Learn More About How To Get Rid Of Fruit Flies

If you've ever had a pesky fruit fly problem, you know how difficult it can be to get rid of. These little pests can quickly multiply and become a big nuisance. In this blog post, we will explore how to get rid of fruit flies for good!

We'll start by discussing what fruit flies are and how to identify them. Then, we'll go over how to inspect your home for these pests. Next, we'll give you detailed advice on how to eradicate them once and for all! Finally, we'll explain how to prevent fruit flies from returning and infesting your home again. So, let's get started!

What Are Fruit Flies?

Fruit flies are small, winged insects that are attracted to ripe fruits and vegetables. They are often found near drains, garbage cans, or other sources of decaying organic matter. These pests can quickly become a problem in your home if they find their way inside. It's estimated that an adult female fruit fly can lay up to 500 eggs in her short life!

Not only are they highly annoying, but fruit flies can also spread bacteria and disease. Fruit flies themselves aren't a danger, but they carry bacteria on their feet and bodies from other locations. That's why it's essential to get rid of them as soon as you notice them in your home.

How To Identify Fruit Flies

You’ll often find many fruit flies around a food source, as they can quickly breed and multiply. 

How To Identify Fruit Flies

Fruit flies are usually about 1/8 inches long (including the wings) and have pronounced bright red eyes. Their bodies are generally tan or yellowish-brown in color. In most cases, fruit flies are only about a third of the size of your average housefly.

Due to their size, these little flies are often confused with drain flies, sphaerocerid flies, or phorid flies. However, each fly breeds from a different source, so we'll be able to help you identify which variety you have on your hands.

If you see small insects flying around your fruit bowl or near your garbage can, there's a good chance they are fruit flies.

How To Inspect For Fruit Flies

To prevent fruit flies from becoming a major problem in your home, you'll need to inspect for them regularly. Start by checking all of the ripe fruits and vegetables in your kitchen. If you see any small insects flying around them, dispose of the affected produce immediately.

Next, take a look inside your garbage can and make sure it is clean and free of rotting food. Finally, check all of the drains in your home to make sure they are clear and free of debris.

How To Get Rid Of Fruit Flies

Now that you know how to identify and inspect for fruit flies, it's time to get rid of them! Here are some tips on how to do just that:

  • Dispose of all rotting fruits and vegetables in your kitchen.
  • Empty and clean your garbage can or dumpster on a regular basis.
  • Keep all drains in your home clear and free of debris.
  • Use a fruit fly trap to lure these pests into a container.
  • Use screens on any open windows.
  • Prevent fruit fly breeding sources by re-grouting tiles in kitchens and bathrooms.
  • Use UltraFloor Defender as a floor cleaner. It's all-natural and uses bacteria cultures to break down grease buildups. This is an excellent choice for commercial kitchens.

Residual insecticide concentrates like Avesta CS, or Cyper WSP are great choices to ward off recurring fruit fly invasions. However, it's important to never spray directly onto fruit and vegetables or the plates and silverware in the surrounding area. 

You can also try using a homemade fruit fly spray of vinegar or essential oils. Simply mix equal parts water and vinegar (or add 20 drops of peppermint essential oil per cup of water) in an easy-to-use spray bottle. You can use it to treat areas where you've seen fruit flies.

This is a more natural approach, but it has its limitations. Likely, it will only temporarily fix the fruit fly problem. You'll probably see them return unless proper fruit fly control products and control methods are used.

How To Prevent Fruit Flies

Keeping overly ripe or rotting foods on the counter can quickly attract fruit flies. It’s important to throw out fruit or vegetables that are no longer edible. 

How To Prevent Fruit Flies

The best action you can take to prevent fruit flies is to keep your kitchen clean and free of rotting produce. Empty your garbage can or dumpster on a regular basis, and dispose of any rotten fruits or vegetables immediately. The key is to eliminate the sources of fruit fly attraction.

You should also check all of the drains in your home regularly to make sure they are clear and free of debris. They need only a thin layer of moist film to breed, so it's crucial you keep garbage disposals, trash bins, cleaning rags, and mops clean and dry.

Use screens on any open windows to prevent fruit flies from getting inside. Of course, you'll want to make sure your screens fit well, so you can avoid having fruit flies slip through a crack.

Finally, use a fruit fly trap to lure these pests into a container where they will become stuck. There are several excellent fruit fly traps, such as Terro Fruit Fly Traps and Invite Fruit Fly Lure. You may prefer Invite Fruit Fly Traps for commercial purposes since it offers more of the liquid lure.

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