Fruit flies can be nuisance pests at first but they can very quickly become a problem if they aren’t treated promptly. Well, you’ll be happy to learn that there are a few ways to get rid of them quickly and easily. Check out 8 great ways to get rid of fruit flies (aka “gnats”) in your house.
Use Deterring Scents
Peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender are all good natural scents that fruit flies don’t like. Dried herbs can be hung up in paper tea bags or placed in muslin bags around your home. You can also add essential oils to a diffuser. This will also make your home smell great!
Terro Fruit Fly Traps
These ready-to-use Terro traps are great for attracting fruit flies to your home. They contain a food-based, non-toxic liquid that lures them in. The flies can’t escape once they are inside. These traps are available in two-packs and can last for up to 30 consecutive days.
Aunt Fannie’s FlyPunch Fruit Fly Trap
Here’s another commercial trap to use. It uses a special blend of vinegar and fermenting to attract fruit fly larvae. There is no need to mix or prepare anything with Aunt Fannie’s traps. You just need to open the lid and place it on your counter. The trap can last for up to 30 days. Once the trap is empty, close the lid and throw it away.
Green Gobbler Fruit Fly Killer
Fruit flies can infest your drain pipes and lay eggs. If you have an infestation of fruit flies, it is important to treat the pipes as well as set traps. To instantly eliminate fruit flies and drain flies, pour one cup of the Green Gobbler citronella gel down your drain.
This non-corrosive, non-caustic formula won’t harm your pipes, drains or garbage disposal. This product has received tons of great Amazon reviews and most are over 4 stars.
Use Apple Cider Vinegar
This is the easiest method, as it only needs one ingredient. Place the apple cider vinegar in a small glass. Cover the top with plastic wrap, and secure it using a rubber band. Use a toothpick to poke holes in the plastic wrap. Then, place it on the counter. Fruit-based vinegar attracts fruit flies and they will not be able to escape once they are inside.
Set Out Rotten Fruit
Are you out of apple cider vinegar? You can use the rotten fruit that attracted them. Put some chopped fruit that has reached its end in a bowl. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, and secure it with a rubber band. Use a toothpick to poke holes in the plastic.
You want the holes to be big enough for fruit flies and small enough to prevent them from getting out. Are you looking for other ways to dispose of rotten fruits?
Use Dishwashing Soap
Mix a few drops of dish soap into a small bowl of water. Then, add enough water to make bubbles. The light from the lamp will draw the insects to the dish.
Apply White Vinegar TO Affected Areas
You can get rid of fruit fly infestations by boiling white vinegar or plain boiling water, and pouring it into your bathroom, kitchen and shower drains.
Easy Ways to Prevent Fruit Flies Before They Arrive
- All produce (if it’s uncut) should be kept in the fridge. If it’s cut, be sure to put it in a container or wrap it on foil or plastic wrap.
- Avoid keeping overripe fruits and vegetables around on the countertops on top of the fridge.
- To prevent fruit fly larvae from getting into your home, wash your produce before you bring it home.
- Fruit flies can breed inside empty bottles, trash containers, and cleaning supplies such as mops and cloths. Be sure to rinse mops after using and hang them so they dry fast.
- Spills should be cleaned up immediately, particularly sticky or sugary spills.
- Keep food, gunk, and leftover drinks out of the sink drain–fruit flies love to feast on it.
