Still Stuck With Fruit Flies in December? Expert Tips to Banish Them Forever
If there’s still one fruit fly in your kitchen this holiday season, there’s probably more. These sturdy insects multiply quickly and are difficult to eradicate because they are attracted to common foods such as bread and produce.
When it comes to fruit flies, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. I asked Jody GreenAn entomologist from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln explains the causes of fruit fly infestations and, more importantly, how to stop or eliminate them once they start.
What are the causes of fruit fly infestations?
Alcoholic and high-sugar beverages such as beer, wine, and soda are highly attractive to fruit flies.
Fruit flies will usually attach themselves to any overripe fruit you bring home from the grocery store or any bruised fruit, which tends to ripen and rot faster.
Once flies get into your house, she says, they’ll lay their eggs wherever they can — on rotten fruit or anything fermented, especially onions and potatoes. As the weather warms, their life cycle speeds up. This is how infection occurs.
Read more: Keep bugs out of your kitchen with these common houseplants
Thankfully, there are ways to kick fruit flies out of your kitchen and keep them out of your home. Some steps can help prevent infection, while others can help eliminate it. So take a look below and make sure your place is free of fruit flies.
What do fruit flies look like?
Once fruit flies land in your kitchen, it can be difficult to get them to leave.
Fruit flies are about one-eighth of an inch long, have red eyes (although some species have darker eyes), are light brown in color, and have a dark ring around their abdomen. They also have two wings (many insects have four wings).
What foods and environments attract fruit flies?
Ripe produce and sugary foods are attractive to fruit flies.
The common name given to fruit flies by entomologists is “vinegar flies.” This is because they are naturally attracted to fermenting liquids, which ferment the fruit as it rots.
But fruit flies don’t just thrive on rotten fruit or vinegar. They also like sugary substances like soda, wine, and beer, and you can find them at the bottom of trash cans or any moist place with a large food source.
“Plenty of food sources” may mean something different to you than to a small but mighty fruit fly, Green said. “It may not be food you want to eat, but fruit flies are so small that they only need a tiny microhabitat” — like the soda leftover from the can in your recycling bin, or the leftover soda in your takeout container. Below are the pieces and crumbs. Garbage, Green explained. These are prime locations for fruit fly breeding. Once the weather warms up, it takes less time for fruit fly eggs to turn into babies.
How to stop a fruit fly infestation before it starts
During warm summer months, take out the trash as often as possible.
To prevent fruit flies from taking over your kitchen, it all depends on cleanliness. Keeping your area as dry and free of food as possible will prevent pests from continuing their life cycle.
Throw away trash and recycle often. Clean the bottom of the bin when liquid builds up, wipe down counters when you’re done cooking, and keep sinks and garbage disposals clear of old food, empty dishes, and as dry as possible.
Storing fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator rather than on the counter also makes it harder for fruit flies to find them. Since they love rotten fruit, Green says you should carefully select produce at the store to make sure you don’t bring any rotten or bruised fruit home.
It is especially important to store foods that ferment quickly. Fruit flies thrive on the decay produced by cabbage, strawberries, bananas, and other fruits and vegetables, which often breaks down before you notice them getting too old to eat. Sugary materials should also be put away, cups should be covered or washed, and garbage bags should be changed regularly to prevent fruit fly infestations.
She also adds that you should recycle or compost cardboard boxes containing produce as soon as possible because fruit flies may breed in them. Any area that is wet or damp, such as a damp kitchen rag or carpet next to the sink, can become a breeding ground for fruit flies.
For more home tips, see below The best air purifiers to clean the air and The best cordless vacuum cleaner.
FAQ
Can I get fruit flies without missing the fruit?
Yes, you can get fruit flies even if you don’t keep fruits and vegetables outside the refrigerator. While fruit flies are attracted to fermented fruits and vegetables, they also like sugary substances. Flies will similarly flock to wine, beer, soda, and other sugary liquids if you leave them around the house.
How clean do I need to stay to avoid a fruit fly infestation?
Fruit flies can survive on very small amounts of food or drink – like the remains of a takeout box or soda left at the bottom of a can. You’ll want to make sure you wash any containers before putting them in your trash or recycling bin, especially during the warmer months when fruit flies multiply quickly.
