Dealing with fruit flies can be frustrating, especially when they seem to show up out of nowhere, buzzing around your food or kitchen. You might try swatting at them with a flyswatter or newspaper, but that doesn’t always do the trick. These little pests are quick to reproduce, with the ability to lay up to 50 eggs a day, which means it won’t be long before you’re overwhelmed by their presence. If you’re looking for a way to get rid of them without spending hours chasing them around, you’re in the right place. We’ve gathered some simple, practical tips from our professionals to help you tackle fruit flies and keep your home free of these annoying bugs. Chances are, you already have everything you need right at home!

What Are Fruit Flies?

Fruit flies are tiny insects that tend to gather around ripe or decaying fruit, as well as sugary substances like alcohol or juice. They’re most commonly seen in kitchens, especially around fruit bowls, trash cans, or even drains. These flies are small, roughly the size of a grain of rice, with a light brown or tan body and red eyes. They’re more active during warmer months, especially in late summer and fall, when fresh produce is plentiful. A fruit fly problem often starts when a few of them hitch a ride on fruit or vegetables brought into the house. Female fruit flies can lay hundreds of eggs in a short time, and these eggs can hatch in less than a day. Since fruit flies develop quickly, a small number of them can rapidly become a much larger issue if not dealt with promptly.

How to Identify Fruit Flies?

Here’s how you can recognize fruit flies:

1. Size: They are quite small, measuring about 1/8 inch (3 mm) long, so they’re easy to overlook unless you’re paying close attention.
2. Color: Fruit flies usually have a yellowish-brown body. Their large eyes are either red or black, which makes them stand out when you look at them closely.
3. Body Shape: These flies have a rounded body that’s divided into segments, which you can notice if you look closely.
4. Wings: Their wings are clear but often look a little cloudy because of the way they fly. They tend to move in quick, jerky patterns, which makes their wings look blurry at times.

Fruit Flies Vs. Fungus Gnats Vs. Drain Flies

Fruit flies, fungus gnats, and drain flies are small flying insects that are often confused with one another, but knowing how to tell them apart can help you figure out the best way to get rid of them. The easiest way to distinguish between them is by where you find them and what they look like.

Fruit flies are small, with a body that resembles a tiny fly. They’re usually found around food, especially near fruit bowls, trash cans, or other places where food is left out.

Drain flies, on the other hand, look a bit like small, fuzzy moths. These insects are often spotted around sinks, drains, or areas with standing water, where they tend to breed.

Fungus gnats are smaller, and their appearance is closer to that of a tiny mosquito. They are commonly found near houseplants, as they thrive in damp soil, where they lay their eggs.

By paying attention to where you see these bugs and how they look, it’s easier to figure out which one you’re dealing with and how to manage them.

Finding the Source to Deal With Fruit Flies

When dealing with a fruit fly problem, the first thing you need to do is track down where they’re coming from. Fruit flies breed quickly, so identifying and removing their breeding spots early can stop the problem from growing. Here are some common places where you can find these fruit flies in your kitchen:

1. Rotting or Overripe Fruits and Vegetables

   Fruit flies are drawn to fruits and vegetables that are past their prime. Check your fruit bowls, counters, and storage areas for any produce that’s starting to rot. It’s the sugary, fermenting smell that attracts them, so even small bits of forgotten fruit can turn into a breeding ground for flies.

2. Compost Bins

   While composting is great for the environment, if your compost bin is full of food scraps like apples or lettuce that haven’t been removed quickly enough, it can easily become a fruit fly haven. Empty it out often, and give it a quick rinse to clear out any lingering food that could attract flies.

3. Recycling Bins

   If you recycle bottles or cans that once held sugary drinks or alcohol, make sure you rinse them out first. A little leftover liquid can be enough to bring fruit flies into your kitchen.

4. Trash Bins

   Garbage cans are one of the top spots for fruit flies. To keep them at bay, make sure you clean your bins regularly and keep the lids sealed tightly. Any leftover food bits or liquid spills can invite fruit flies to settle in.

5. Kitchen Sinks and Garbage Disposals

   Sometimes, fruit flies hang out in kitchen sinks or garbage disposals, where food residue can build up. Make it a habit to clean these areas regularly with a drain cleaner to remove any organic matter that could be enticing flies to settle there.

6. Mops and Cleaning Rags

   If you leave wet mops or rags out, they can collect food particles and moisture, which attract fruit flies. Always wring them out thoroughly and leave them to dry after use.

7. Other Hidden Spots

   There are some less obvious areas where fruit flies like to hide. Check underneath the refrigerator, behind the microwave, or around the edges of counters for food crumbs that may have slipped through the cracks. These spots can be perfect for fruit flies to breed without being noticed.

Using Traps to Get Rid of Flies

Once you’ve dealt with the source of the fruit flies, you might still see a few buzzing around. Don’t worry, though—there are several simple traps you can set up to get rid of them for good. Since fruit flies are small and quick, trying to catch them with a fly swatter can be frustrating. Luckily, you don’t need to rely on swatting when there are other, more reliable options.

1. Store-Bought Traps: If you’re in a hurry, you can pick up some ready-made fruit fly traps from a local store or online. These traps usually use light or scents to attract the flies. The added lures help bring the flies in, making it easier to trap them.
2. Vinegar and Dish Soap Trap: A popular homemade solution involves filling a bowl with apple cider vinegar and adding a few drops of dish soap. Then cover it with plastic wrap and poke a few small holes. The vinegar draws the flies in, and the soap traps them when they try to land. You can also use a jar with a lid—just make sure to poke small holes in the lid to let the flies in.
3. Red Wine Trap: If you have some leftover red wine, you can put a little bit in a bottle or glass and add a drop of dish soap. The sweet smell of the wine attracts the flies, and the soap prevents them from flying away.
4. Sticky Traps: Sticky fly strips are another option. You can hang them near where you see the flies, and the adhesive will catch them as they land. Just keep in mind that these strips stick to everything, so they’re best placed in areas where you won’t be bumping into them too much. They’re not great if you have curious pets around either.

These simple traps will help you get rid of those pesky fruit flies without much hassle.

Tips to Keep Fruit Flies Away

Fruit flies can quickly become a nuisance, but with a few simple steps, you can prevent them from taking over your kitchen. Here’s how:

1. Store Your Produce Properly

   One simple way to keep fruit flies at bay is by storing your fruits and vegetables in the fridge or in sealed containers. This prevents the flies from getting to your produce and laying eggs on it. If you can’t refrigerate everything, try to store the items in a way that limits exposure to the air, like in a bowl with a lid.

2. Give Produce a Quick Wash

   Before leaving fruits like melons or tomatoes on the counter to ripen, it’s a good idea to wash them. This helps remove any fruit flies or eggs that might be hiding on the surface. Even if the fruit’s not going in the fridge, a quick rinse can stop any potential pests from making their way inside.

3. Take Out the Trash Regularly

   The trash can be a real magnet for fruit flies, especially if food scraps are left to build up. Take out the garbage when it’s full and avoid letting it sit around. A trash can with a lid that closes tightly will also help keep flies from sneaking in.

4. Empty Your Compost Bin

   If you use a countertop compost bin, make sure to clean it out often. Leftover food scraps can quickly attract fruit flies, so it’s important to stay on top of it. Regular emptying and cleaning of your compost bin can help you avoid unwanted guests in your kitchen.

5. Keep Surfaces Clean

   Fruit flies are attracted to spills and crumbs. Wipe down kitchen counters, tables, and floors regularly to keep things tidy. If you spill something, clean it up right away to prevent it from becoming a breeding ground for flies.

6. Maintain the Garbage Disposal

   If you have a garbage disposal, make sure it’s kept clean. Food scraps can get stuck in the disposal, attracting flies. It’s a good idea to run hot water through it regularly and avoid putting food items like eggshells or grease down the drain, as these can clog the system and make it harder to clean.

Call a Professional Pest Control Service Provider Near You for an Inspection

If you’re dealing with a fruit fly problem and the usual methods aren’t working, it might be time to call in a professional pest control service. A professional can help when the infestation becomes too much to handle on your own, especially if it’s persistent or spreading throughout your home. They’ll have the right tools and knowledge to assess the situation, identify the source, and get rid of the flies more efficiently. Calling for an inspection is also a good idea if you’re unsure where the flies are coming from or how they’re getting in. A pest control expert like Take Care Termite and Pest Control can take a closer look and provide solutions tailored to your home, helping you address the problem at its source.

Closing Thoughts

Fruit flies may be small, but they can quickly become a big nuisance if left unchecked. By addressing their breeding spots, setting up simple traps, and keeping your space clean, you can take control of the situation. With these steps, your kitchen can stay free of these pesky invaders, leaving you with one less thing to worry about.

FAQs

1. What can I use to get rid of fruit flies right away?

   A safe option is to use 91% isopropyl alcohol in a spray bottle. When sprayed directly on the flies, it stops them instantly and is less harmful than traditional pesticide sprays.

2. Do fruit flies eventually disappear on their own?

   If you’re willing to wait a long time and ensure your space stays perfectly clean, fruit flies will eventually run out of food and vanish. However, this process takes time and requires constant upkeep.

3. Are there smells that fruit flies dislike?

   Yes, fruit flies are bothered by certain scents, like basil, peppermint, eucalyptus, lemongrass, lavender, and clove. You can place these fragrant herbs in small cloth bags or tea bags and hang them around your home to discourage fruit flies from returning.

4. How can I get rid of fruit fly eggs in the garbage?

   A simple home solution is to sprinkle salt into the drain, then add half a cup of baking soda followed by half a cup of white vinegar. This will create a bubbling reaction that helps eliminate both the eggs and the flies.