Fruit flies are attracted to decaying organic matter such as ripened fruit and vegetables, food left on a plate, spills on the counter, and around trash cans. These small annoying pests reproduce rapidly as they can lay up to 500 eggs at a time that hatch into larvae in 24 - 30 hours. As a result, their population can grow quickly and become a nuisance.
Most pest control companies don’t provide pest control services for fruit flies. This is due to their short lift cycle of 40-50 days, the difficulty in eliminating their breeding sources, and the ability to control infestations with non-toxic methods and preventive measures.
DIY Traps for Fruit Flies
If you are experiencing an infestation in your home or office, there are many common, effective and safe methods to manage and eliminate fruit flies.
Apple Cider Vinegar Trap: Add a few drops of dish soap to a small bowl or jar of apple cider vinegar. Cover the bowl or jar with plastic wrap and then poke a few holes in the plastic wrap. (Alternatively, you can use a piece of paper to create a funnel.) The vinegar attracts the fruit flies, the plastic wrap (or funnel) prevents them from escaping, and the dish soap causes them to drown.
Fruit Trap: Place a piece of overripe fruit in a bowl (banana or peach). Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and then poke a few holes in the plastic wrap. The fruit attracts the fruit flies. The plastic wrap allows the flies in but also prevents them from escaping.
Red Wine Trap: Add a few drops of dish soap to a small bowl of red wine and cover with plastic wrap. Poke a few holes in the plastic wrap. The wine attracts the fruit flies, the plastic wrap prevents them from escaping, and the dish soap causes them to drown.
Prevention Measures for Fruit Flies
On the other hand, there are many steps you can take to prevent fruit flies from infesting your home or office.
Proper Food Storage: Store ripe fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator, use airtight containers, and inspect produce for spoilage regularly. Wash fruits and vegetables as soon as you bring them home to remove any potential eggs.
Keep Your Kitchen Clean: Regularly wipe down surfaces, clean up spills, and avoid leaving dirty dishes out. Ensure trash cans are emptied frequently and sealed tightly (inside and outside the home).
Drain Maintenance: Clean your sink drains regularly, as fruit flies can breed in leftover food particles. Pour boiling water down the drains to eliminate any potential breeding grounds.
Eucalyptus Oil: Dilute the eucalyptus oil with water and then spray around your kitchen and trash can. The eucalyptus acts as a repellent.
By utilizing these traps and preventive strategies, you can effectively reduce and eliminate fruit fly populations in your home's kitchen or around the office. If you’re dealing with persistent pest issues or need assistance with other pest problems in your home or business, don’t hesitate to contact us.
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