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How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies with White Vinegar and Dish Soap [2024] 🍎🧼
Have you ever been bothered by those pesky fruit flies buzzing around your kitchen? You’re not alone! Fruit flies are attracted to ripe, rotting, or decayed fruit and produce, as well as fermented goods like beer, liquor, and wine. But fear not, because we have the ultimate solution for you: white vinegar and dish soap! In this article, we’ll show you how to effectively get rid of fruit flies using this simple and affordable method. So let’s dive in and keep your home fruit fly-free! ✅
Quick Answer
To quickly get rid of fruit flies using white vinegar and dish soap, follow these steps:
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a bowl.
- Add a few drops of dish soap to the mixture and stir gently.
- Leave the bowl uncovered near the infested area.
- The fruit flies will be attracted to the vinegar, and the dish soap will reduce the surface tension, causing them to sink and drown.
👉 CHECK PRICE on: White Vinegar | Dish Soap
Quick Tips and Facts
Before we dive into the details, here are some quick tips and facts about fruit flies and using white vinegar and dish soap to get rid of them:
- Fruit flies are attracted to ripe, rotting, or decayed fruit and produce, as well as fermented goods like beer, liquor, and wine.
- To prevent fruit fly infestations, throw out overripe produce, store fruits and veggies in the fridge, wash produce immediately, take out the garbage regularly, and clean up spills promptly.
- White vinegar and dish soap can effectively trap and kill fruit flies by reducing the surface tension of the vinegar, causing the flies to sink and drown.
- There are other methods to trap and kill fruit flies, such as using apple cider vinegar and plastic wrap, a paper cone with vinegar and old fruit, old wine or beer traps, and an alcohol spray.
- Bleach is not effective in eliminating fruit flies, so avoid using it for this purpose.
- For outdoor fruit fly control, you can use Spinosad insecticide around the base of your home and on fruits and vegetables.
Now that you have the quick tips and facts, let’s dive deeper into the background and learn more about fruit flies and how to effectively get rid of them using white vinegar and dish soap.
Background: What are Fruit Flies and What Causes Fruit Fly Infestations Indoors?

Fruit flies, also known as vinegar flies or pomace flies, are small insects that are commonly found in homes, particularly in the kitchen and around areas where fruits and vegetables are stored. These tiny pests are attracted to the smell of ripe, rotting, or fermenting fruits and vegetables, as well as other organic matter.
Fruit fly infestations can occur when these insects find their way into your home and start breeding. Female fruit flies lay their eggs on the surface of fruits and vegetables, and within a few days, the eggs hatch into larvae, commonly known as maggots. These maggots feed on the decaying matter, and eventually, they pupate and emerge as adult fruit flies.
The main causes of fruit fly infestations indoors include:
- Overripe or decaying fruits and vegetables left out in the open.
- Improperly stored fruits and vegetables.
- Spills and residues of sugary substances, such as fruit juices or soda.
- Fermenting goods like beer, liquor, and wine.
- Poor sanitation and hygiene practices in the kitchen.
Now that we understand the background of fruit flies and what causes their infestations, let’s move on to the main topic: how to prevent and get rid of fruit flies using white vinegar and dish soap.
How to Prevent Future Fruit Fly Infestations
Prevention is always better than cure, so let’s start by discussing some effective ways to prevent future fruit fly infestations in your home. By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the chances of fruit flies invading your kitchen:
- Store fruits and vegetables properly: Keep your fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator or in sealed containers to prevent them from ripening and attracting fruit flies.
- Dispose of overripe produce: Regularly check your fruits and vegetables for signs of overripeness or decay. If you find any, dispose of them immediately in a sealed bag or container.
- Clean up spills promptly: Fruit flies are attracted to sugary substances, so make sure to clean up spills of fruit juices, soda, or other sweet liquids as soon as possible.
- Take out the garbage regularly: Dispose of your kitchen garbage regularly and make sure the trash can is tightly sealed to prevent fruit flies from accessing it.
- Clean your kitchen thoroughly: Regularly clean your kitchen countertops, sink, and other surfaces to remove any food residues that may attract fruit flies.
- Cover your fruits and vegetables: If you have fruits or vegetables sitting out on the counter, cover them with a mesh or net to prevent fruit flies from landing on them.
By following these preventive measures, you can create an environment that is less attractive to fruit flies and reduce the chances of infestations in your home.
How to Trap and Kill Fruit Flies, Fast
Now, let’s get to the main event: trapping and killing fruit flies using white vinegar and dish soap. This method is simple, affordable, and highly effective. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Vinegar and Dish Soap Trap
Rating: 9/10
| Aspect | Rating |
|---|---|
| Design | 8 |
| Functionality | 9 |
| Performance | 9 |
| Cost-effectiveness | 10 |
| Overall | 9 |
To create a vinegar and dish soap trap, follow these steps:
- Take a small bowl or cup and fill it halfway with white vinegar.
- Add a few drops of dish soap to the vinegar and stir gently.
- Leave the bowl uncovered near the infested area, such as the kitchen counter or fruit basket.
The vinegar will attract the fruit flies, while the dish soap will reduce the surface tension of the liquid, causing the flies to sink and drown. This trap is highly effective in capturing and killing fruit flies.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar and Plastic Wrap Trap
Rating: 8/10
| Aspect | Rating |
|---|---|
| Design | 7 |
| Functionality | 8 |
| Performance | 8 |
| Cost-effectiveness | 9 |
| Overall | 8 |
To create an apple cider vinegar and plastic wrap trap, follow these steps:
- Take a small bowl or cup and fill it halfway with apple cider vinegar.
- Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap.
- Poke a few small holes in the plastic wrap using a toothpick or fork.
The fruit flies will be attracted to the sweet smell of the apple cider vinegar and will enter through the holes in the plastic wrap. Once inside, they will be unable to find their way out and will eventually drown in the vinegar.
3. Paper Cone, Vinegar, and Old Fruit Trap
Rating: 7/10
| Aspect | Rating |
|---|---|
| Design | 6 |
| Functionality | 7 |
| Performance | 7 |
| Cost-effectiveness | 8 |
| Overall | 7 |
To create a paper cone, vinegar, and old fruit trap, follow these steps:
- Take a piece of paper and roll it into a cone shape, leaving a small opening at the tip.
- Place a small amount of vinegar and a piece of old fruit at the bottom of a jar or cup.
- Insert the paper cone into the jar, making sure the tip of the cone is above the vinegar and fruit.
The fruit flies will be attracted to the smell of the vinegar and fruit and will enter the jar through the small opening of the paper cone. However, once inside, they will have difficulty finding their way out and will eventually drown in the liquid.
4. Aunt Fannie’s FlyPunch Fruit Fly Trap
Rating: 9/10
| Aspect | Rating |
|---|---|
| Design | 9 |
| Functionality | 9 |
| Performance | 9 |
| Cost-effectiveness | 8 |
| Overall | 9 |
If you prefer a ready-to-use solution, we highly recommend Aunt Fannie’s FlyPunch Fruit Fly Trap. This product has received rave reviews from consumers and experts alike.
Aunt Fannie’s FlyPunch Fruit Fly Trap is specifically designed to attract and trap fruit flies. It contains sodium lauryl sulfate and malic acid, which are highly effective in luring fruit flies. The trap comes in a stand-up jar for easy use and can be placed near the infested area.
According to senior chemist Sabina Wizemann from the Good Housekeeping Institute, Aunt Fannie’s FlyPunch Fruit Fly Trap is a top performer when it comes to trapping and killing fruit flies. It is a reliable and convenient solution for getting rid of these pesky insects.
👉 CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Walmart | Etsy | Aunt Fannie’s Official Website
Can I Use White Vinegar Instead of Apple Cider Vinegar to Get Rid of Flies?
Yes, you can use white vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar to get rid of fruit flies. Both types of vinegar are highly effective in attracting and trapping fruit flies. The acidity and strong smell of vinegar make it an irresistible lure for these insects. So feel free to use white vinegar if you don’t have apple cider vinegar on hand.
FAQ

Does vinegar and dish soap kill fruit flies?
Yes, vinegar and dish soap can effectively kill fruit flies. The vinegar attracts the fruit flies, while the dish soap reduces the surface tension of the liquid, causing the flies to sink and drown.
Read more about “Can I Use Vinegar Instead of Apple Cider Vinegar to Get Rid of Fruit Flies? … 🍎”
Can I use white vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar to get rid of flies?
Yes, you can use white vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar to get rid of fruit flies. Both types of vinegar are highly effective in attracting and trapping fruit flies.
What is the fastest easiest way to get rid of fruit flies?
The fastest and easiest way to get rid of fruit flies is by using vinegar and dish soap traps. These traps are simple to set up and highly effective in capturing and killing fruit flies.
Read more about “Do Terro Fruit Fly Traps Work? …”
Will white wine vinegar work to get rid of fruit flies?
Yes, white wine vinegar can work to get rid of fruit flies. The acidity and strong smell of white wine vinegar make it an effective lure for fruit flies.
Read more about “Is TERRO Fruit Fly Trap just vinegar? … 🍎”
Conclusion

Fruit flies can be a nuisance in your home, but with the right methods, you can effectively get rid of them. Using white vinegar and dish soap traps is a simple and affordable solution that has proven to be highly effective in trapping and killing fruit flies. Additionally, products like Aunt Fannie’s FlyPunch Fruit Fly Trap offer a convenient and reliable alternative.
Remember to follow preventive measures to reduce the chances of fruit fly infestations in the future. Store your fruits and vegetables properly, dispose of overripe produce, clean up spills promptly, and maintain good sanitation practices in your kitchen.
So go ahead, try out the white vinegar and dish soap method, and say goodbye to those pesky fruit flies once and for all! 🍎🧼
Recommended Links
- DIY Fruit Fly Traps
- Fruit Fly Trap Ingredients
- Fruit Fly Trap Reviews
- Fruit Fly Facts
- Dealing with Persistent Fruit Flies
- Can I Use Vinegar Instead of Apple Cider Vinegar to Get Rid of Fruit Flies? 2024 🍎🧼



