Fruit flies are small, red-eyed, 1/4 inch long flies commonly associated with overripe and fermenting fruits and vegetables. However, fruit need not be present to have fruit flies, as they can originate from other sources.
Fruit flies can reproduce anywhere there is fermenting organic matter that stays consistently wet or moist. Fruit fly larvae must have moist, fermenting organic matter in order to survive. Fruit fly locations within the home can exist in a slow-moving or seldom-used sink, bathtub, shower, or floor drain, dripping pipes and refrigeration equipment, garbage containers, and discarded bottles and cans. Regardless of where the flies originate, fruit flies can be seen at windows and sinks, since they are attracted to light and moisture.
Fruit flies are best controlled by locating and eliminating the source of the infestation. The most effective method to eliminate fruit flies developing in drains is to clean the inside of the drain pipe to eliminate the organic matter. Household insecticide sprays labeled for fly control are only a Band-Aid relief and often ineffective. Eradication will require eliminating the source of the infestation. Fruit flies are usually a temporary annoyance and the flies eventually disappear on their own without a source ever being determined.
Here are five ways to get rid of fruit flies:
Trap them:
Make a vinegar trap - In a bowl or cup, place a small amount of vinegar at the bottom. Cover the top tightly with plastic wrap (place a rubber band around it to make sure the plastic wrap stays in place). Poke some small holes in the plastic wrap. The flies will crawl in and they won't be able to crawl out.
Make a soap trap - In a small bowl or cup, mix together water with a couple drops of dish soup and a tablespoon or two of vinegar. The vinegar will attract the fruit flies, while the soap will help trap them so that they drown in the water.
Use the vacuum - Take the vacuum and hose attachment, and ran around the kitchen sucking the fruit flies up. It was almost fun, and at the very least was a satisfying and effective way to bring the population down.
Remove breeding grounds:
Take care of damp cloths - Don’t keep damp kitchen towels or dishrags lying around. Wash them frequently as they can be a breeding ground for fruit flies.
Don’t keep ripe fruit out on the counter - As a fruit ripens and starts to ferment, fruit flies will come from — sometimes it seems — miles around. Put ripe fruit in the refrigerator and put ripening fruits in paper bags on the counter.
Keep up on the dishes - Don’t leave out any cups of water – this will remove any breeding grounds and that can include dirty dishes.
Clean out the drain - Cleaning out the drain in your kitchen sink can help as well since they like to breed in the drain.
Prevent them:
Wash incoming produce - Before bringing procedure inside the house wash thoroughly.
Unfortunately fruit flies may win the battle...if they do, give Thomas Pest Services a call.
Thomas Pest Services, your Albany pest control provider can certainty assist with your fruit fly problem. With third generation experience, Thomas Pest Services is a local, family owned company protecting homes in Chatham, East Greenbush, Colonie, Schenectady, Clifton Park, Saratoga and beyond! Please contact us today for a free pest control evaluation available!