How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies for Good
Every summer, like clockwork, fruit flies appear in our kitchens – somehow finding a way in, these sneaky, little flies seem to multiply before our eyes. And the battle begins.
Fruit flies have an incredibly fast incubation period. It only takes fruit flies 12 to 15 hours to lay eggs (up to 500 at a time)! In a week those eggs turn into adults, so you can imagine how quickly this problem can escalate.
That’s why it’s up to you to stop it before it starts.
Here are five ways to prevent fruit flies from entering your home:
1. Keep your kitchen (extra) clean in the summer months
While it’s important to keep your kitchen clean year-round, it’s especially important in the summer season. Where there is heat, there are insects, so bring your cleaning A-game. Food can accumulate anywhere in a kitchen, so it will take some elbow grease on your part to clean in those hard to reach places. The only way to get rid of a fruit fly infestation is by eliminating their food sources.
2. Store as much fruit as you can in the fridge
Needless to say, fruit flies love fruit, so we recommend putting your fruit in the fridge. Don’t leave ripened fruit or vegetables exposed until the problem is fixed.
3. Do the dishes right away
We know you’re in a rush in the morning, but by leaving dirty dishes in your sink you may as well have a “Welcome” sign inviting in all the fruit flies.
4. Take the trash out often
This is SO important. Fruit flies are notorious for hovering over garbage, so be diligent about taking the trash out on a daily basis. It’s simple: the less garbage, the less fruit flies.
5. Clean out recycling bins that contain empty bottles
This relates to number 4. Most importantly, before throwing out the bottles and cans, make sure to rinse out with water to get rid of remaining liquid.
Need a refresher on green cleaning products? Find out what green cleaning products are (and what they aren't).
Do you have any other tips you’d like to add to our list? Let us know in the comments, we’d love to hear from you!