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What Are Fruit Flies?

Fruit flies (scientific name: Drosophila melanogaster) are small insects, usually 1/8 inch in size, with tan or light brown bodies and red eyes. They are attracted to ripe, fermenting, or rotting fruits and vegetables. However, they can also breed in moist places like drains, trash bins, compost, and even mop buckets.

A female fruit fly can lay up to 500 eggs at a time, and these eggs can hatch in just 24 hours. This fast reproduction cycle means a small infestation can quickly turn into a major problem.

Signs of a Fruit Fly Infestation

Before we dive into how to get rid of fruit flies, it’s important to identify them correctly. Look out for these signs:

• Small flying insects hovering around fruits, vegetables, or trash.
• Adult fruit flies near kitchen drains or sink pipes.
• Tiny white larvae (maggots) on produce or in garbage bins.
• Sour or vinegar-like smell in trash areas or overripe fruit.

Where Do Fruit Flies Come From?

Contrary to popular belief, fruit flies don’t appear magically. They enter your home in a few common ways:

• Open doors or windows
• On grocery produce (especially bananas, tomatoes, and melons)
• Through drains or garbage disposals
• From fermenting organic material inside your home

Once inside, they seek out warm, moist environments and sugary or fermented food to lay their eggs.

How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies: Step-by-Step

1. Remove the Source

Start by eliminating what attracts them:

• Throw away overripe or rotting fruits and vegetables.
• Clean food spills immediately, especially sugary ones.
• Empty the trash and compost bins regularly.
• Check for old juice bottles, beer cans, or vinegar spills.

Cleanliness is your first line of defense.

2. Set DIY Fruit Fly Traps

There are several homemade traps that can help reduce their population quickly:

Apple Cider Vinegar Trap

• Pour some apple cider vinegar into a small bowl or jar.
• Add a drop of dish soap (breaks surface tension).
• Cover with plastic wrap and poke small holes.
• Fruit flies are attracted to the vinegar but can’t escape the trap.

Fruit Trap

• Place a piece of overripe banana or apple in a jar.
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap and poke holes.
• Discard and refresh every couple of days.

3. Clean All Surfaces and Drains

Fruit flies often lay eggs in hidden, moist places like drains or under appliances. Here’s what to do:

• Clean kitchen counters thoroughly.
• Pour boiling water down drains and garbage disposals.
• Use a mixture of baking soda + vinegar, followed by hot water, to clean drains.
• Scrub out your trash can and compost bin.

4. Use Commercial Fruit Fly Sprays or Traps

If natural methods aren’t enough, consider store-bought options:

• Fruit fly aerosol sprays – kill them on contact.
• Sticky fly traps – catch and kill adult flies.
• Plug-in insect traps – attract and trap using light or scent.

Always follow label instructions and keep out of reach of children and pets.

Preventing Fruit Flies from Returning

Once you’ve gotten rid of them, take steps to prevent another infestation:

1. Store Produce Properly

• Keep ripe fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator.
• Don’t leave cut or peeled fruit on the counter.

2. Take Out Trash Regularly

• Dispose of food scraps daily.
• Wash bins with soap and water every week.

3. Seal Entry Points

• Close windows and use screens.
• Don’t leave doors open unnecessarily.

4. Clean Up Spills

• Wipe up soda, juice, or alcohol spills immediately.
• Rinse recyclables before placing them in bins.

What Not to Do

• Don’t use bleach alone in drains—it kills some bacteria but doesn’t dissolve eggs.
• Don’t rely solely on fly swatters—killing adults won’t stop reproduction.
• Don’t ignore the infestation. Waiting will make it worse.

When to Call a Professional

If you’ve tried everything and still can’t get rid of fruit flies, it might be time to call an exterminator. They can inspect hidden breeding sites and treat your home with stronger, more targeted solutions.