Fruit flies are a common nuisance in kitchens, especially during the warmer months
Brits are being plagued by swarms of fruit flies invading their kitchens this autumn, a phenomenon usually reserved for the summer months, according to the Daily Mail.
On a recent episode of The Monday Club podcast, host Chris Ward shared his own experience, saying: “I’ve got three fruit fly traps in my kitchen, and they’re all full with fruit flies.
“Where are they all coming from?” he asked, as he offered advice on keeping air fryers grease and odour-free using a simple 30p trick. The unexpected invasion is due to the mild weather, says Dr Luke Tilley, an Entomologist and Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society. The news emerges as a report shows how to banish burnt-on grease from your oven in minutes using one kitchen staple.
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In a chat with the Daily Mail, he explained: “Fruit flies are attracted to warm, humid conditions, particularly around drains, sinks and kitchens.”, reports the Express.
“They lay their eggs in moist, organic material, which is why compost caddies and fruit bowls are common hotspots.”
But don’t fret if your kitchen has become a breeding ground for these pests – there are several easy steps you can take to prevent an infestation in your home.
Warm weather accelerates the breeding cycle of fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster), allowing them to reproduce more quickly.
After a clip from The Monday Club podcast was shared on TikTok, numerous Brits chimed in with their own experiences of dealing with the pesky insects this autumn.
“Never had them before and have them this year. Driving me mental,” one user replied.
Another added: “I don’t remember them 20 years ago now everyone has them. What’s going on?”.
And one vented: “Ugh we’re inundated this year. We don’t have any fruit out anymore but they still come.”
Insects play vital role in science
Whilst they can be a nuisance, fruit flies play important roles in nature, according to Dr Tilley.
“They help break down rotting fruit, contribute to nutrient cycling, support pollination and provide food for other animals,” he told the Daily Mail.
“These tiny insects have helped researchers unlock some of the big scientific discoveries in cancer, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
“Remarkably they share around 60% of our disease-related genes. In fact, fruit flies have contributed to six Nobel Prizes in Medicine.”
Simple tricks to banish unwanted guests
Thankfully, there are several easy, chemical-free ways to manage fruit flies in your home.
Firstly, make sure you put all the foods they enjoy away – not just fruit.
Fruit flies also enjoy munching on white bread, vegetables, fermented products (including beer and wine), and yoghurts and other cultured foods.
“Store these foods where fruit flies can’t get to them, such as in a fridge, sealed container or bread bin, and wipe away spills and drips on the sides and tops of jars and bottles that might attract them,” consumer champion, Which?, advises.
Recycling bins need regular cleaning Next, ensure you rinse your recycling.
“Dirty bottles and jars or containers from last night’s takeaway are a magnet for fruit flies,” warned Which?
“They don’t need to be squeaky clean, so a quick rinse should do the trick.”
Pet owners have been advised about food bowls
If you own pets, it’s also worth regularly cleaning their bowls and cages.
“Leftover food lingering in a pet bowl can attract fruit flies, so clear away any that hasn’t been eaten and wash the bowl out with boiling water before putting the next meal in,” added Which?
“A fruit fly infestation could also start in the cage of your rabbit, guinea pig or any other small animal that feasts on fruit and veg.”
A homemade trap offers a final solution.
If your house is spotless and you’re still battling with fruit flies, try creating a homemade trap.
Dr Tilley suggested: “Place a bowl of apple cider vinegar with a drop of washing-up liquid nearby to trap adults.”