Fruit flies are a common pest in the autumn months and can be a real nuisance in the home. An expert has shared his top tips for keeping the bugs at bay and getting rid of them
As we’ve already reached the midpoint of September and autumn takes hold, fruit flies start to emerge in droves, so it’s wise to prepare for these bothersome pests invading your home. Fruit flies are also known as ‘vinegar flies’, ‘pomace flies’, or ‘banana flies’.
These stubborn insects are lured by the fresh produce that shoppers bring inside and frequently breed at an alarming rate. To assist Brits in combating fruit flies, John Stewart, a pest prevention expert at Pest-Stop, reveals his five essential strategies for deterring these troublesome intruders.
Several of the strategies involve how people store their groceries and maintaining household cleanliness, reports the Express.
Store groceries cleverly
Fruit flies possess an acute sense of smell and are especially attracted to maturing and overripe produce.
John explained: “To reduce the chances of an infestation, store fruits like apples, ripe bananas and tomatoes in the fridge instead of on countertops.
“If you prefer to keep produce out, opt for a covered fruit bowl to minimise exposure and keep flies at bay.”
Discard overripe or decomposing produce
It’s essential to monitor what’s in the kitchen as fruit flies rapidly reproduce on rotting food.
John recommends: “Washing your produce as soon as you get home can help remove any eggs or larvae that may be present on the surface.
“Whenever possible, store fruits and vegetables in airtight containers to prevent fruit flies from getting to them. Be mindful of leaving open drinks or food containers out, as flies can easily find their way inside.”
The expert also suggests inspecting your fruit bowl frequently
He continued: “Promptly remove any produce that’s starting to spoil and dispose of it in a sealed bin or compost container to prevent fruit flies from multiplying.”
Maintain cleanliness
Maintaining the kitchen spotless and clutter-free is crucial, as fruit flies are more prone to breed in grimy or chaotic environments.
Even the tiniest spillages or crumbs can draw these nuisances, so it’s vital to wipe up any mess straight away, particularly those containing fruit juice or alcohol.
Frequently clean kitchen cupboards to eliminate spilt food and check for pests.
If any are discovered, quickly throw away the contaminated material in an outdoor bin to stop spreading to fresh food sources.
John recommends: “Clean surfaces daily, paying close attention to areas near the sink, under appliances and around the bin.
“Rinse out containers before recycling and regularly clean sink drains where food debris tends to accumulate. If left untouched, this can create a perfect breeding ground for fruit flies.”
Furthermore, empty the kitchen recycling bin often and ensure that external bins are properly sealed and positioned away from open windows and doors.
Capture and manage fruit flies
If fruit flies have already established themselves in your home, a straightforward fruit fly trap offers an ideal, non-toxic method to capture adult flies. DIY remedies can prove highly effective too.
The expert reveals: “A shallow dish filled with apple cider vinegar and a few drops of dish soap can work wonders.
“Fruit flies are attracted to the vinegar but get trapped in the solution. Place these traps around your kitchen to catch and control fly numbers quickly.”
Block the door on uninvited visitors
As temperatures drop, fruit flies can infiltrate homes through minuscule gaps and cracks. A bit of prevention goes a considerable distance.
The expert advised: “Inspect your home for any small openings around windows, doors and vents where fruit flies could sneak in.
“Seal these gaps with weather stripping or caulk to keep flies and other pests out as the colder months roll in.”