No one wants to deal with a fruit fly infestation. Fruit flies are a nuisance. They spread bacteria and contaminate your food. Fruit flies thrive on overripe and decaying fruits and vegetables. They even enjoy fermented drinks like beer and wine. Remember that banana you kept telling yourself to eat before it got too ripe? A fruit fly feast! And that softening apple on the bottom of the fruit bowl? Chances are the fruit flies found it first! Once they appear, you have to act fast to get rid of fruit flies.
In fact, each female fruit fly lays up to 500 eggs at a time. No one wants to think about disgusting fruit flies and larvae on their food.
Tips to prevent fruit fly invasions
Covenant Pest Control offers these tips to get rid of fruit flies and prevent an invasion:
1. Remove Food Source - You need to cut off the fruit flies food source. Quickly dispose of overripe and rotting fruit and vegetables. And make sure to empty your trash often. Removing food sources also limits areas where fruit flies can breed and will halt their population growth.
2. Clean Thoroughly - Give your kitchen a thorough cleaning. Clean and disinfect all countertops. Make sure your sink drain stays clear of food particles and residue. Wipe up spills immediately. Keeping the area clear of any sticky residue further reduces possible food sources for fruit flies.
3. Wash Fruits and Vegetables - Fruit flies may hitch a ride home with you on your produce. Always wash your fruits and vegetables as soon as you bring them home. Then, store in an air-tight container or the refrigerator when possible. Prevention is key!
How to get rid of fruit flies
As hard as you try to prevent getting fruit flies, most people have experienced an invasion at some point. These tiny flies seem to be able to find their way into even the cleanest homes and kitchens. So, what can you do to get rid of fruit flies once they’re in your home?
Try these top 3 natural methods to get rid of fruit flies:
1. Apple Cider Vinegar - Fill a small container with apple cider vinegar, cover with plastic wrap, seal with a rubber band, and poke some holes in the top. The fruit flies are attracted to vinegar. Once they find their way inside the container, they become trapped and die.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar and Dish Soap - Fill a small container with apple cider vinegar and a little dish soap. A few drops will do the trick. Fruit flies love vinegar. And the dish soap acts to decrease the surface tension of the liquid. They’ll find their way to the container and drown in the solution.
3. Beer or Wine - Leave out a bottle of old wine or beer with a little liquid residue left in the bottom. Remember fruit flies are attracted to fermented drinks. The fruit flies will invade the bottle and become trapped by the bottle’s neck.
Have problems with cockroaches? Looking for tips on how to keep bugs out naturally? Check out our other posts.
Schedule Regular Pest Control Services
A fruit fly invasion is usually preventable when you take precautions. But if you experience an infestation that you just can’t kick, Covenant Pest Control is here to help you deal with these pesky bugs. Or give us a call for our regular integrated pest control services including organic pest control options. Let our pest control experts help you maintain a pest-free home.
Call (830) 320-4002 today!