How to Permanently Get Rid of an Infestation of Fruit flies [2023]

Are you dealing with an infestation of fruit flies in your home or business? These tiny pests can be a frustrating nuisance that seem to appear out of nowhere and thrive in environments with ripe or rotting fruit, vegetables, or other organic matter. But fear not, our team at Fruit Fly Traps™ has compiled the most comprehensive guide to overcoming a fruit fly infestation for good!

Finding the Source

The critical first step in getting rid of fruit flies is to locate the source of the problem. Fruit flies can breed and lay eggs in several places, such as produce, drains, garbage disposals, dirty dishes, and even houseplants. Here are the most common sources of fruit fly infestations to check for:

• Fruit and Vegetables: Ripe or overripe fruit and vegetables, including banana peels, tomatoes, and onions, can attract fruit flies.
• Drains: Dirt and debris can accumulate in drains, providing a moist environment for fruit flies to thrive.
• Garbage Disposals: Food residue that accumulates in garbage disposals can become the perfect breeding ground for fruit flies.
• Dirty Dishes: Unwashed dishes that sit in the sink for a prolonged period can attract fruit flies.
• Houseplants: Moist soil in houseplants can also be a breeding ground for fruit flies.

Once you have identified the source of the infestation, it's time to take action.

Cleaning Common Areas

Cleaning and removing potential breeding sources is vital in getting rid of fruit flies. Here are some tips that can help:

• Clean Surfaces and Floors: Wipe down all surfaces, including countertops and floors, with hot soapy water to eliminate any residue that may attract fruit flies.
• Clean Drains: Pour boiling hot water down drains to dislodge any debris and kill flies and eggs. Add a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, let sit for a while before flushing.
• Empty Garbage Disposals: Clean your garbage disposal by turning it on and pouring down a solution of hot water and dish soap. Then, grind up a lemon to mask any odors.
• Wash Dishes Daily: Rinse and dry dishes and utensils as soon as possible to minimize food buildup.
• Repot Plants: Change the soil in your houseplants and make sure to clean any algae, fungi, or mold that may have accumulated on the soil.

Trapping Fruit Flies

If cleaning doesn’t work or isn't enough, there are various traps that you can try to get rid of fruit flies.

• DIY Traps: A DIY trap is easy to make with ingredients such as vinegar, dish soap, sugar, wine, or even beer. Mix and place them in a container then cover with plastic wrap, leaving only a small hole for the fruit flies to enter. They will get trapped and drown in the solution.
• Store-bought Traps: Fruit-fly traps are available in non-toxic, pesticide-free, and environmentally friendly options that use pheromones or food lures to attract fruit flies to a sticky surface.
• Home Mist Spray Systems: An option for larger infestations would be a home mist spray system – it will disperse a mist of either essential oils/natural repellants or a more synthetic insecticide to get rid of the flies whenever they are in the area of the dispenser.

When to Consider Professional Help

If the infestation persists despite taking these steps, consider calling a professional pest control service to help you get rid of fruit flies. They will have access to treatments, pesticides, and tools to eradicate the pest effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I permanently get rid of fruit flies?

To get rid of fruit flies permanently, remove their food and breeding sources, such as ripened fruits and veggies, drains, and garbage disposals. You can also use traps or call professional pest control if the infestation persists.

Will a fruit fly infestation go away?

Fruit fly infestations can be hard to completely eradicate, but by removing their food and breeding grounds and placing traps, the infestation should go away within a week.

How long does it take to get rid of a fruit fly infestation?

The time it takes to get rid of fruit flies varies with the level of infestation and how well you keep proper hygiene practices. With good cleaning practices and trap placement, it can take as little as a week to get rid of a fruit fly infestation.

Quick Tips and Facts

• Fruit flies can breed incredibly fast, with females laying up to 500 eggs in their lifetime.
• Temperature and humidity affect fruit fly development, with warmer and wetter environments being ideal breeding grounds.
• Fruit flies aren't just attracted to fruit and vegetables. They can also be drawn to wine, beer, and other sugary, fermenting liquids.
• Fruit flies can spread bacteria, fungi, and other harmful microorganisms from contaminated foods to clean surfaces, posing a potential health risk.

Conclusion

Fruit fly infestations can be frustrating, but by taking the right steps, you can get rid of them permanently. Clean frequently, remove potential breeding sources, and use traps to eliminate flies. If the infestation persists, consider calling a professional pest control service. Don’t let these tiny pests take over your home- get started today with our proven tips.

Reference Links:

• Wikipedia
• EPA
• Pest World
• WebMD
• NY Times
• Good Housekeeping