How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies Inside the House

Fruit flies are a common nuisance in households, especially during warmer months. They are drawn to ripe or decaying fruit, sugary liquids, and damp surfaces. Once they find a food source, they can multiply quickly, creating an infestation that’s hard to control. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to eliminate fruit flies and prevent them from returning. This guide will help you understand the causes of fruit flies, how to get rid of them, and ways to keep them out of your home for good.

What Causes Fruit Flies Inside the House?

Fruit flies are attracted to fermenting foods and moist surfaces, making kitchens and bathrooms ideal breeding grounds. Overripe fruits, spilled juice, and even damp sponges can serve as a food source and a place for these pests to lay eggs. Fruit flies can also enter the house through open windows, doors, or small cracks. Identifying and removing potential breeding grounds is the first step in eliminating fruit flies.

Common sources of fruit flies in the home include:

• Ripe or decaying fruits and vegetables
• Leftover beverages or spills, particularly sugary drinks
• Damp dish sponges or cleaning cloths
• Garbage disposals and kitchen drains
• 
  
  

Step 1: Remove the Attractants

The first step in getting rid of fruit flies inside the house is to eliminate anything that might attract them. This includes ripe produce, unsealed food, and sugary spills. Here’s a breakdown of how to remove these attractants:

• Refrigerate Produce: Keep ripe fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator, as fruit flies are less likely to be attracted to cold storage.
• Clean Spills Immediately: Any sugary or alcoholic beverages should be wiped up right away.
• Take Out Trash Regularly: Fruit flies are often drawn to food scraps in the trash, so ensure the garbage is taken out daily.
• Dispose of Overripe or Rotten Food: Any spoiled or overripe food should be removed from the house, as it serves as a primary food source and breeding ground.
• Clean Drains and Sinks: Fruit flies can also breed in kitchen drains where food particles accumulate, so clean your drains regularly to prevent this.

Step 2: Set Fruit Fly Traps

Once you’ve removed the attractants, setting up traps can help capture and kill any remaining fruit flies inside the house. There are several types of homemade and store-bought traps you can use.

• Apple Cider Vinegar Trap: Fill a small dish with apple cider vinegar and a few drops of dish soap. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and poke small holes in it. The vinegar attracts the fruit flies, and once they enter the holes, they get trapped and sink due to the soap.
• Wine Trap: Fruit flies are attracted to the smell of fermentation, so pour a little bit of red wine into a cup and cover it with plastic wrap. Poke holes in the wrap to trap the flies inside.
• Dish Soap and Vinegar Trap: Mix equal parts dish soap and white vinegar in a small bowl. The soap reduces surface tension, causing the fruit flies to sink and drown.
• Sticky Traps: These are available at hardware or pest control stores and are designed to catch flies and other insects. Place them near problem areas like the kitchen sink or fruit bowl to trap any remaining fruit flies.
• 
  
  
  
  

Step 3: Clean the Drains

Drains can often be breeding grounds for fruit flies inside the house, especially if there’s leftover food debris or stagnant water. Cleaning your drains is crucial to eliminate any hidden sources of infestation.

• Boiling Water: Pour boiling water down your kitchen and bathroom drains to flush out any eggs or larvae.
• Baking Soda and Vinegar: Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of white vinegar. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then flush it with hot water to clean out any residue.
• Drain Gel Cleaners: If the infestation persists, consider using a commercial drain cleaner designed to target organic buildup, which attracts fruit flies.

Step 4: Clean Your Kitchen and Living Areas Thoroughly

A clean kitchen and living space are essential for keeping fruit flies inside the house at bay. Regular cleaning routines help eliminate food sources and prevent fruit fly eggs from hatching.

• Wipe Down Surfaces: Wipe all countertops, tables, and shelves, especially in the kitchen. Use a household cleaner to remove any food particles or sticky residues that attract fruit flies.
• Clean Kitchen Appliances: Small appliances like blenders and toasters can collect crumbs and food residue that attract fruit flies. Clean these appliances regularly, especially after use.
• Take Out Recycling and Trash Daily: Recycling containers can also be a hotspot for fruit flies, so take out recyclables and trash daily.
• Store Pet Food Properly: If you have pets, make sure their food is stored in airtight containers. Fruit flies are attracted to pet food, especially if it’s left out.

Step 5: Prevent Future Infestations

Once you’ve removed the fruit flies inside the house, it’s essential to take steps to prevent them from returning. A few preventive measures can go a long way in keeping your home fruit fly-free.

• Screen Windows and Doors: Install screens on your windows and doors to keep fruit flies from entering the house. Check for any holes or tears in the screens and repair them as needed.
• Inspect Produce Before Bringing It Inside: Check fruits and vegetables for any signs of ripeness or spoilage before purchasing or bringing them into your home.
• Use Sealed Containers: Store all food, including fruit, in sealed containers to prevent access to fruit flies.
• Use Trash Bins with Lids: Trash bins with tight-fitting lids can prevent fruit flies from being attracted to food scraps or trash.

Natural Remedies to Keep Fruit Flies Away

If you prefer to use natural remedies to eliminate fruit flies inside the house, there are several options that work well without chemicals or store-bought products.

• Essential Oils: Peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender essential oils can repel fruit flies. Mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and mist it around windowsills, door frames, and other entry points.
• Lemon and Cloves: Cut a lemon in half and place cloves in the flesh. The scent is unpleasant to fruit flies and can help keep them away from your kitchen.
• Cucumber Peels: Placing cucumber peels near problem areas can repel fruit flies, as they dislike the scent of cucumber.
• Herbs: Basil, mint, and lemongrass are natural repellents for fruit flies. Keeping pots of these herbs on your windowsill or in your kitchen can help deter fruit flies.

Why Regular Maintenance Is Important

Maintaining a clean home environment is essential for preventing fruit flies inside the house. Without regular cleaning, fruit flies can quickly find new sources of food and breeding grounds, leading to a recurring problem. Scheduling regular cleaning tasks, including wiping down countertops, cleaning drains, and taking out the trash, will help minimize attractants for fruit flies.

• Daily Routines: Small daily cleaning tasks, like washing dishes and wiping down surfaces, can prevent food buildup and discourage fruit flies from settling.
• Weekly Deep Clean: Consider a weekly deep clean of your kitchen, including scrubbing countertops, cleaning appliances, and taking out trash and recycling.
• Monthly Drain Cleaning: To prevent buildup in drains, a monthly cleaning routine using vinegar and baking soda or boiling water can keep drains clear of organic matter.

When to Call a Professional

While most fruit fly infestations inside the house can be managed with DIY methods, some situations may require professional assistance. If the infestation is severe and persists despite your efforts, it may be beneficial to contact a pest control professional. They can offer more intensive solutions, such as specialized sprays or treatments, to eliminate the problem.

Professional pest control can also help identify the root cause of the infestation, which might be due to plumbing issues, structural damage, or other factors that contribute to a fruit fly presence.

Conclusion: A Fruit Fly-Free Home

Getting rid of fruit flies inside the house is achievable with consistent cleaning practices, preventive measures, and a few effective trapping methods. Eliminating attractants, setting up traps, and maintaining a clean environment are the most effective strategies for long-term control. By following these steps and adopting a proactive approach, you can keep fruit flies at bay and enjoy a fruit fly-free home.

Taking care of a few small tasks each day—such as cleaning up spills, storing produce properly, and wiping down countertops—can make a significant difference in preventing fruit flies. Combining these simple habits with occasional deep cleaning will allow you to control and prevent any unwanted infestations. Whether you opt for homemade traps, natural repellents, or commercial products, these methods will help you tackle fruit flies effectively, ensuring a clean and pest-free environment.

Our Other Products

Meclay London Shampoo

Seabreeze Essentials