If you’re like any of our Florence pest control members, you’ve probably experienced a fruit fly “infestation” – a small invasion of those tiny little flies that seem to rise up out of nowhere from our sinks or garbage cans. And just when you think you’ve gotten rid of them all… surprise! They’re back. You’ve probably tried many different approaches to eliminate these things, but we’ve found five ways that seem pretty effective.
The first thing you should do is take out all of your trash and thoroughly clean the area where you’ve found your fruit flies. If they continue to stick around, try:
Pyrethrin
Pyrethrin is a compound derived from the dried flowers of a small, white daisy called “Tanacetum cinerariifolium.” It’s been used for over 100 years as an insect repellent and in higher concentrations, can be used as an insecticide. Today, you can find Pyrethrin in spray and aerosol form as a repellent for your home.
Red Wine
Since fruit flies are attracted to sweet foods and liquids, they seem to like red wine. Cover a small glass of wine with saran wrap and poke some holes in it so that the flies can get through. Then, place the glass near where you usually find your fruit flies.
Drain Cleaner
If you’ve discovered that your fruit flies are coming from your sink drains, you’ll want to find a thick gel drain cleaner to clean out any fruit fly larvae and freshen your drain. (An easy way to tell if your drain is the source is to put a small piece of tape over your drain and poke a few small holes it in for airflow. If you find fruit flies stuck to it, they’re coming from your drain.)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Like red wine, apple cider vinegar gives off a sweet aroma that fruit flies seem to love. Follow the same steps as the red wine method, but add a teaspoon or so of liquid dish soap and you should trap most of your fruit flies. If you don’t have saran wrap, you can also use a small baggie and secure it around the glass with a rubber band.
Milk Trap
This method has been used since 1850 and has been pretty successful at getting rid of fruit flies. In a saucepan, combine one pint of milk with 1/4 pound of raw sugar and two ounces of ground pepper. Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes, then pour a little into several glasses. Roll a piece of paper to make a funnel and place one in each glass, then place the glasses around the house. The flies should be drawn to the scent and fly into the glasses.
Once you’ve gotten rid of your fruit flies, be sure to keep your home clean and get rid of any old or rotten fruit as soon as possible to prevent them from coming back. Also – be sure to check your sinks for leaks. An area of moisture is a perfect breeding ground for fruit flies.