How To Get Rid Of Fruit Flies: The 14 Best Ways

Fruit flies may cause many health issues like diarrhea, dehydration, stomach problems, etc. So it is important to get control of these pesky pests as soon as possible. Many DIY fruit fly trap methods are available, such as fruit juice, apple cider vinegar, wine, or beer, and deterrents to eliminate existing populations. However, if the infestation does not stop, consider using professional pest control services. Check out Ortex Systems for the best tips and tricks to control pests like fruit flies.

Plastic Wrap And Apple Cider Vinegar Trap

Combining apple cider vinegar and plastic wrap is an effective way to trap fruit flies. This method can be used to control your home’s fruit fly populations.

  • Combine 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar with soap drops in a jar or bowl. You can also place fruit flies feed in the fruit bowl.
  • Place the mixture where you’ve seen the most fruit fly activity. The flies will be drawn to the scent of the vinegar and will crawl in but won’t be able to escape because of the dish soap.
  • You can also use plastic wrap to trap fruit flies. Cover the top of a bowl or jar with plastic wrap and attach it with a rubber band. Spur a few small gaps in the wrap, and the fruit flies will be drawn to the bowl without being able to escape.
  • Finally, you can make your homemade fruit fly trap by combining ripe fruit (such as overripe bananas or grapes) with sugar water or wine in a jar or container. The fruit will attract the flies, and they’ll drown in the liquid.

Vinegar, An Old Fruit Trap, And A Paper Cone

As any gardener knows, fruit flies can be a real nuisance. They are attracted to the sweet smell of ripe fruit and can quickly lay their eggs in the fruit’s flesh, leading to rot and decay.

One method to trap fruit flies is to mix vinegar with water in a bowl and then place a paper cone over the top of the bowl. The fruit flies will be tempted to the mixture by the stench of rotting produce, but they will struggle to escape due to the fruit fly trap’s cone-shaped design. Once trapped, you can dispose of them as you see fit.

Dish Soap And Vinegar Trap

Dish soap and vinegar disable the fly’s wings so it can no longer fly or escape. The dish soap makes a barrier on the surface of the water that the fruit fly cannot penetrate. If you’ve ever tried to swat a pesky fruit fly, you know how difficult they are to catch. But there’s an easy way to get rid of them using a bowl, dish soap, and vinegar. Here’s how it works:

  • Mix vinegar and water in a bowl equally and set it out where you’ve seen fruit flies.
  • Add a drop or two of liquid dish soap to the mixture. The dish soap will lower the surface tension of the water, which will trap the fruit flies when they land on the surface.
  • You can also add a piece of fruit to the mixture to attract the fruit flies.
  • Check the bowl regularly and empty it when necessary.

Aunt Fannie’s FlyPunch

Aunt Fannie’s FlyPunch is a ready-to-use mixture of sodium lauryl sulfate and malic acid designed to kill flies. The active ingredient in FlyPunch is sodium lauryl sulfate which is usually present in soaps and is a surfactant that breaks down the fly’s exoskeleton, causing death. Malic acid, which is safe and usually found in fruit, is included in the mixture as a food source that helps to attract fruit flies.

How It Works

FlyPunch is safe for children and pets and can be used indoors or outdoors. Mix the desired amount of FlyPunch with water and spray it on flies. You can also place the jar strategically near breeding grounds, like compost piles or fruit bowls. The mixture attracts the flies and keeps them from escaping by killing them on impact. For best results, reapply every day or as needed.

Beer Or Old Wine Trap

These traps work by luring the fruit flies in with the sweet smell of fermenting fruit or beer and trapping them in the liquid. The flies are attracted to the trap because they look for a suitable place to lay their eggs. The number of fruit flies caught in these traps is limited only by the size of the container and the amount of bait used. The process is easy and economical,

  • Start by placing a small amount of beer or wine in the bottom of a jar or bottle. You can use any vessel as long as it has a small opening for the flies to enter.
  • Cover the top of the vessel with plastic wrap, securing it tightly so that no gaps remain.
  • Use a toothpick or sharp object to poke small holes in the plastic wrap. The holes should be large sufficient for the fruit flies to enter but not so large that they can escape.
  • Set the trap in an area where fruit flies are known to congregate, such as near ripe fruit or garbage cans.

Clear Every Surface

Fruit flies are attracted to food and other organic matter. To keep them away, it’s important to clean all surfaces in your kitchen, including countertops, floors, appliances, and sink drains. Here are some tips:

  • Wipe down countertops, floors, and other surfaces with a clean cloth or paper towel. Be sure to clean under devices and in hard-to-reach places.
  • Empty sink traps and garbage disposals. Fruit flies lay their eggs in moist environments.
  • Wash dirty dishes and put them away. Keep fruit fly breeding sites from accumulating in your sink or countertops.
  • Take out the trash regularly. Sealing garbage bags can help prevent fruit flies from getting into the garbage can.
  • Store food in airtight containers. This will prevent fruit flies from getting to the food and laying their eggs. If you see fruit flies in a sealed container, throw away the food and wash it thoroughly before using it again.

Throw Away Rotten Or Overripe Produce

Fruit flies are lured to rip and overripe fruits and vegetables and ferment liquids. To keep fruit flies away, it is important to regularly check your produce and throw away any rotten or overripe fruits and vegetables. The female flies will lay their eggs in these ripe or fermenting foods, which provide a food source for the developing larvae.

Bottle Them Up And Capture Them

Another common DIY remedy is to use a plastic bottle to collect the flies; a beer bottle, fruit juice, or wine that has had all the liquid released. After covering the bottle’s opening with plastic wrap and a rubber band, make many small spots on the top. In the bottle, flies will be attracted and caught.

Buy A Pre-Made Fruit Fly Bait

If you don’t want to use a vinegar trap to do it yourself, you may buy online fruit fly traps or from stores. One way to get rid of the little intruders is using a TERRO Fruit Fly Trap. The liquid you pour into the trap’s apple-shaped trap attracts insects because of its alluring perfume. The flies will be drawn in and get trapped inside the bottle.

They are comfortable to use and can be baited with various fruits and vegetables. Fruit fly traps are a great form to save your home or business free of fruit flies, and they can be used repeatedly for multiple infestations.

Fruit Fly Trap: Using A Paper Funnel

A paper funnel is an easy way to make a fruit fly trap. All you need is paper and some tape.

  • To make the trap, start by folding the paper into a cone. Next, use the tape to secure the edges of the cone. Make sure that the opening at the top of the cone is small enough that fruit flies can enter but not so small that they can’t get back out.
  • Once your funnel is complete, add some bait to the bottom of the cone. Fruit flies are seduced to overripe fruit, so you can use a piece of banana or some other soft fruit. You can also use vinegar or wine as bait.
  • Finally, set your trap near where you’ve seen fruit flies. The flies will be attracted to the bait and crawl into the funnel. Once they’re inside, they won’t be able to come back and will eventually die.

Fruit Fly Trapping Using Bowl Traps

Apple cider vinegar and two drops of liquid dish soap should be combined in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly, then place on the counter (away from pets). Unfortunately, the bowl will entice fruit flies, who fall victim to it.

Fruit Flies Are Captured, And Then Frozen

If you have a fruit fly infestation, you can capture the flies and freeze them. Place a few inches of water in a bowl and add the apple cider vinegar. The flies will be drawn to the vinegar and fall into the water. Once they’re in the water, place the bowl in the freezer. The flies will only last for a while in your freezer, even though you can put them there.

Sprays And Other Products To Kill Them

Using various sprays, traps, and other products, you can kill fruit flies easily. These can be used indoors or outdoors, depending on your needs. However, many contain harsh chemicals such as aerosols, insecticides, and glue traps that may not be safe for you or your family. Do research before choosing any spray or product to use in your home.

You can also use safe essential oils such as peppermint or orange essential oil to eliminate fruit flies and other insects. First, fill a tiny spray bottle with 2 ounces of hot water. Then, add ten driblets of lemongrass essential oil to the bottle while the water is still hot. Spray fruit flies with this solution of water and lemongrass oil as soon as you spot them.

Eliminating The Eggs

To eradicate a fruit fly infestation, you must address the adults and the eggs or larvae. Wash and dry unrefrigerated vegetables before bringing them inside to get rid of any potential larvae. Pre-washed or pre-cut vegetables may not need additional washing, but it’s always safest to give them a good rinse just in case. You can also place them in the fridge for a few hours to kill fruit flies’ eggs on the vegetables.

Call An Expert

If you have a fruit fly problem, there are many ways to eliminate them. However, if your infestation is severe, you suspect it has dispersed to other areas of your home, or you are too busy to control it yourself, it may be best to call Ortex Pest Control. You may find many reasons to hire us, such as professional tools and experience, the best customer care, and easy and fast pest control. So get rid of pests from your home today with the help of our amazing team.