Best Fruit Fly Spray of [2023]: Effective Ways to Combat Fruit Fly Infestations

Are fruit flies taking over your kitchen or pantry? These little pests are not only annoying, but they can also contaminate your food and spread diseases. While fruit fly traps are a great way to catch and eliminate these bugs, sometimes you need a little more firepower to get rid of them for good. That's where fruit fly spray comes in. But with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. That's why our team at Fruit Fly Traps™ has researched and tested the best fruit fly sprays to help you combat fruit fly infestations effectively.

What Are Fruit Fly Sprays and How Do They Work?

Fruit fly sprays are insecticides designed to kill fruit flies on contact. They contain chemicals that disrupt the nervous system of insects, leading to paralysis and death. Some fruit fly sprays also have a residual effect, which means they continue to kill fruit flies even after the spray has dried. These sprays come in ready-to-use bottles or concentrate form, which requires diluting with water.

What to Look for in a Fruit Fly Spray

Before buying a fruit fly spray, it's important to consider the following factors:

• Effectiveness: The spray should be effective enough to kill fruit flies on contact and have a residual effect to prevent future infestations.
• Safety: Since these sprays contain chemicals, safety should be a top priority. Choose a spray with low toxicity to humans and animals, and always follow the instructions on the label.
• Ease of use: The spray should be easy to use with a spray nozzle that allows precise application.
• Duration: Consider how long the residual effect lasts and how frequently you need to reapply the spray.
• Scent: Some sprays have a strong odor, while others are odorless or have a pleasant scent.

Top Fruit Fly Sprays

We've researched and tested the best fruit fly sprays on the market and narrowed it down to the following top picks:

Brand Name	Type	Active Ingredient	Residual Effect	Duration	Scent	Price
TERRO Fruit Fly Trap	Ready-to-use	Pyrethrin	No	N/A	Fruity	$5.99
Raid Fruit Fly Trap	Ready-to-use	Pyrethrin	Yes	4 weeks	Not specified	$7.99
Fruit Fly BarPro	Concentrate	Dichlorvos	Yes	4 months	Odorless	$22.99
Hot Shot Flying Insect Killer	Ready-to-use	Pyrethrins, Piperonyl Butoxide	Yes	Up to 4 weeks	Fresh floral	$7.49

TERRO Fruit Fly Trap

TERRO Fruit Fly Trap is a ready-to-use spray that is highly effective against fruit flies. The active ingredient, Pyrethrin, kills fruit flies on contact, and the trap contains a lure that attracts them. This spray doesn't have a residual effect, meaning you'll need to apply it regularly to prevent future infestations. However, it has a fruity scent that can help mask unpleasant odors in your kitchen.

Pros:

• Ready-to-use formula
• Attracts and catches fruit flies
• Pleasant scent

Cons:

• No residual effect
• Small bottle size (only 2 oz.)

Raid Fruit Fly Trap

The Raid Fruit Fly Trap is another ready-to-use spray that uses Pyrethrin to kill fruit flies on contact. Unlike the TERRO spray, this one has a residual effect that lasts up to 4 weeks. The trap also has a lure to attract fruit flies. While not specified, the scent of this spray is not very strong and doesn't have a fruity scent.

Pros:

• Ready-to-use formula
• Attracts and catches fruit flies
• Residual effect

Cons:

• Can leave residue on surfaces if overused
• Some users report a strong chemical odor

Fruit Fly BarPro

If you're looking for a longer-lasting solution, consider Fruit Fly BarPro. This concentrate spray contains Dichlorvos, an effective insecticide that kills fruit flies and other insects on contact. The spray comes in a small packet that you place in a designated area, and it releases a controlled vapor that kills flies for up to 4 months. The best part? This spray is odorless.

Pros:

• Long-lasting protection
• Odorless
• Easy to use

Cons:

• More expensive than ready-to-use sprays
• Not a direct spray application, so may not kill all fruit flies in one go

Hot Shot Flying Insect Killer

Hot Shot Flying Insect Killer is a ready-to-use spray that contains Pyrethrins and Piperonyl Butoxide, making it highly effective against not just fruit flies, but also other flying insects. The spray has a residual effect that lasts up to 4 weeks, and it has a fresh floral scent. The spray nozzle also allows for targeted application.

Pros:

• Kills various flying insects, not just fruit flies
• Residual effect
• Targeted application with spray nozzle

Cons:

• Can be harmful to humans and pets if ingested
• Some users report a strong fragrance

What Gets Rid of Fruit Flies Quickly?

While fruit fly traps and sprays can effectively eliminate fruit flies, there are other ways to get rid of them quickly. Some additional methods include:

• Vacuuming: Use a vacuum to suck up adult fruit flies and their eggs, larvae, and pupae from infested areas.
• Cleaning: Clean your kitchen and pantry regularly to remove food residue and spills that attract fruit flies.
• Sealing food properly: Keep all your food covered or sealed to discourage fruit flies from laying eggs in them.
• Eliminating breeding sites: Discard overripe fruit, vegetables, and other organic garbage in airtight containers to prevent fruit flies from breeding in them.
• Fixing leaks: Fruit flies are attracted to moisture, so fix any leaks in your kitchen or bathroom to prevent water accumulation.

What Smell Do Fruit Flies Hate the Most?

While fruit flies are attracted to sweet and fruity scents, there are certain smells that they absolutely detest. Some of these include:

• Basil: The strong odor of basil can repel fruit flies and even keep them away from your garden.
• Peppermint: The menthol in peppermint is a natural insect repellent that can deter fruit flies.
• Lavender: The floral scent of lavender can confuse and distract fruit flies, making it difficult for them to detect food sources.
• Vinegar: The strong smell of vinegar can drive fruit flies away and kill them too. You can make a DIY fruit fly trap using a jar, apple cider vinegar, and dish soap.

Quick Tips and Facts

• Fruit flies lay their eggs on the surface of ripening fruits and vegetables.
• Female fruit flies can lay up to 500 eggs at a time.
• Fruit fly larvae can develop into adults in as little as 7 days.
• Fruit flies are attracted to overripe fruits and vegetables, sugary substances, and fermenting liquids.
• Keep your kitchen clean and dry to prevent fruit fly infestations.
• If you have a severe infestation, consider calling a professional pest control service.

FAQ

What Get Rid of Fruit Flies Quickly?

Some ways to get rid of fruit flies quickly include using fruit fly traps and sprays, vacuuming, cleaning, sealing food properly, and eliminating breeding sites.

What Smell Do Fruit Flies Hate the Most?

Fruit flies hate the smell of basil, peppermint, lavender, and vinegar.

Can Fruit Flies Spread Diseases?

Yes, fruit flies can transmit bacteria and diseases like E. coli and salmonella, which can cause food poisoning.

Is It Safe to Use Fruit Fly Sprays in the Kitchen?

It's generally safe to use fruit fly sprays in the kitchen as long as you follow the instructions on the label and choose a spray with low toxicity to humans and animals.

Can Fruit Fly Sprays Be Used Outdoors?

Yes, fruit fly sprays can be used outdoors to get rid of flying insects like fruit flies, mosquitoes, and gnats.

Conclusion

Fruit fly sprays are an effective way to eliminate fruit fly infestations and prevent future ones. Consider the effectiveness, safety, ease of use, duration, and scent of the spray before making a purchase. Our top picks include TERRO Fruit Fly Trap, Raid Fruit Fly Trap, Fruit Fly BarPro, and Hot Shot Flying Insect Killer. In addition to using fruit fly sprays, keep your kitchen clean and dry, seal food properly, and eliminate breeding sites to prevent fruit flies from returning. And remember, if you have a severe infestation, don't hesitate to call a pest control professional.