How To Deal With Fruit FliesšŖ°
- Home Reimagined
- May 9, 2024
- 3 min read
As Summer approaches, fruit flies are going to start coming out in full swingš No one wants these pesky bugs anywhere near your kitchen or food.š
Today we are sharing a few different methods to prevent and eliminate them thoroughly so you can enjoy your fresh fruit bowl without a worry!š
Create a DIY TrapšŖ¤
DIY traps are easy to make, and lure all the flies to it rather than your beautiful fruit bowl!!š Here's how I make mine:
Make this solution:
āļøFill a cup with apple cider vinegar or wine š·. Anything sweet. You can also use a microwave-safe bowl and put it in, then microwave to really add to the aroma! š
āļøAdd a few drops of dish soap to the mix, Dish soap reduces surface tension so flies will land and sink! š¦ ā¼ļø
āļøAdd a funnel on top, this creates a smaller opening so its harder for them to get out but easy to get in. You can also make a paper one if you donāt own oneš»
2. Leave the cup with the solution, next to the area you saw them (by the fruit bowl or sink or wherever!) š
3. Once it is full and they have perished, you can toss the mixture out! šļø
4. Repeat the process so you always have a trap waiting to capture any others!šŖ¤
Use Natural Repellantsšæ
If you would rather not have a cup full of wine and bugs on your counter all the time, you can also employ natural repllants to deter them!!šŖ° This would work best once you have control of the problem. It is most effective for preventative measures, rather than taking out a whole hoard in one go!š
āļøEssential oils such as peppermint, lavender, or citrus can be diluted with water and sprayed in areas where fruit flies are most lured to or where they could get in the house!š”
āļøAlternatively, placing cloves, basil, or mint leaves near fruit bowls or windows can help repel fruit flies.š
Install Seals and ScreensšŖ
If you need a physical barrier, install window screens and door sweeps to prevent fruit flies from entering your homeš”. Go around your home and ensure you have sealed any cracks or gaps around windows, doors, and utility penetrationsšŖ. Regularly inspect and repair damaged screens, seals, and weather stripping to maintain a secure barrier against pests!!šŖ°
Keep Your Kitchen Cleanš§¼
Fruit flies are attracted to ripened or decaying fruits and vegetables, as well as spills and crumbs.š« Promptly discard overripe or rotting fruits and vegetables, as well as any food scraps or organic waste in your kitchen.š®
Ensure your trash bins are being emptied regularly, keep your countertops and floors well maintained, and clean your sink drains often to remove food debris and potential breeding sitesš·. And as beautiful as fruit bowls are, you may want to consider storing fruits and vegetables in sealed containers or the refrigerator to prevent from attracting themš«¤
As Summer rolls around, we hope this knowledge helps you in dealing with these annoying pestsš I know how much of a pain it can be!!š
Let us know in the comments if you have any other DIY methods you employ to prevent fruit flies!! We always love hearing new tried and true tips and tricksāŗļø
Happy CleaningāØ
See you next week!
I donāt do much of the cleaning in my home, because I have severe back problems. These are very good suggestions on how to keep my house clean. Only drawback is need more suggestions for someone with limited physical ability.