Losing the War Against Fruit Flies? A Bug Expert Is Here to Help You Win
It’s that time of year again when you leave a piece of fruit on the counter for five minutes and suddenly your kitchen is throwing a rave for a thousand little uninvited guests. Yes, fruit flies are back and they are a huge nuisance.
Although they may seem unstoppable, there is actually a science to getting rid of them. We spoke to a true insect expert – an entomologist – to understand why these pests are invading our homes and, more importantly, how to evict them for good.
If you’re tired of battling these pests, here’s the expert-approved game plan to stop them before they start and get rid of them if they’ve already moved in.
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What causes fruit fly infestations?
Ripe produce and sweet foods are magnets for fruit flies.
The common name that entomologists give to fruit flies is “vinegar flies.” This is because they are naturally attracted to fermented liquid and when fruits rot, they also ferment.
But fruit flies don’t just feed on rotten fruit or vinegar. They also like sugary substances like soda, wine, and beer, and you may find them at the bottom of your trash can or any damp place that has a significant food source.
“Substantial food source” may mean something different to you than it does to the small but mighty fruit fly, Green said. “It may not be the food you want to eat, but fruit flies are so small that they only need a tiny microhabitat” — like leftover soda in a can in your recycling bin or scraps and crumbs in a take-out container in your trash, Green explained. These are ideal places for fruit flies to breed. Once the weather warms up, it takes less time for fruit fly eggs to develop into babies.
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How to Prevent Fruit Fly Infestations
Take out the trash as often as possible during the warmer months.
Cleaning is the key to preventing fruit flies from invading your kitchen. Keeping your area as dry and food-free as possible prevents pests from continuing their life cycle.
Throw away trash and take out recycling frequently. Clean the bottom of bins when liquid builds up, wipe down counters after cooking, and keep your sink and garbage disposal free of old food, empty dishes, and as dry as possible.
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Storing fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator rather than on the counter will also make it more difficult for fruit flies to find them. And because they’re attracted to rotten fruit, you need to choose your produce carefully at the store to make sure you don’t bring home any rotten or bruised pieces, Green said.
It is especially important to store foods that ferment quickly. Fruit flies feed on the rot produced by cabbages, strawberries, bananas and other fruits and vegetables which can often rot before you notice them. Sugary substances should also be put away, cups should be closed or washed, and trash bags should be replaced regularly to prevent fruit fly infestations.
She also added that you should recycle or compost cardboard boxes containing produce as soon as possible, as fruit flies could breed in them. Any area that retains water or is damp, such as a wet kitchen rag or the rug near the sink, could become a breeding ground for fruit flies.
Try Vinegar and Dish Soap to Slow an Infestation
In addition to consulting our experts, we also did some digging on the r/CleaningTips subreddit to see what other people are experiencing. Some users have discovered that their problem is not fruit flies, but fungus gnats. It is worth confirming the infestation by identifying the insect. Many users also noted that an apple cider vinegar and dish soap trap caught large numbers of flies and helped combat their infestations.
To make a vinegar and soap fruit fly trap, put a few ounces of apple cider vinegar mixed with a few drops of dish soap in a small dish and cover with plastic wrap. Poke holes in the packaging so fruit flies can enter but not exit, and place the trap near your fruit fly infestation.
What do fruit flies look like?
Once fruit flies descend on your kitchen, it’s difficult to get them to leave.
Fruit flies are about an eighth of an inch long, have red eyes (although some species have darker eyes), and are light brown with dark rings around the abdomen. They also have two wings (many insects have four).
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Fruit Flies FAQ
Can I catch fruit flies without skipping fruit?
Yes, you can get fruit flies even if you don’t leave fruits and vegetables out of the refrigerator. While fruit flies are attracted to fermented fruits and vegetables, they also like sweet substances. Likewise, flies will invade wine, beer, soda and other sugary liquids if you leave cups of them around the house.
How clean do I need to be to avoid a fruit fly infestation?
Fruit flies are able to subsist on very small amounts of food or drink – leftovers from a takeout box or soda left at the bottom of a can, for example. You should make sure to wash any container before placing it in the trash or recycling bin, especially during the warmer months when fruit flies breed at a rapid rate.
Can fruit flies make you sick?
Although fruit flies do not carry disease, they carry bacteria on their bodies that are transmitted to produce they touch. This can be transmitted to people who eat food affected by fruit flies. The best way to stay safe is to throw away food affected by flies to eliminate any potential bacteria. If you think you have eaten fruit that may have been affected by a fruit fly, you should contact your doctor.
