Ok, I’m not really a hateful person, but if you’ve been stalked by this pesky insect you will appreciate the following simple solutions on how to kill fruit flies. We all know those little pests are nothing but annoying! I was quite surprised to learn that unlike other tiny insects, fruit flies can live 40 – 50 days! With that said, the chances are unlikely that they will just go away on their own.
If you still aren’t sure murder is the way to go, take a close-up look at what is buzzing around your produce. If you dare.
Preventative Maintenance
The first thing you want to do is get rid of any old or damaged fruit that might be attracting the fruit flies. This is where the fruit fly comes to feed and breed (yuck!) Then completely clean any area that the fruit may have been and remove any lingering residue. Cutting fresh fruit can often leave behind some juices that fruit flies just love. Be sure to also run the garbage disposal using hot water and dish shop along with taking out any trash.
Note: Even if the fruit on your counter seems perfectly fine, there is a chance that a few fruit flies came along for the ride from the grocery store or more likely, the farmer’s market. A good practice it so spritz all incoming produce with a 50/50 combination of household vinegar and water.
Best Ways to Kill Fruit Flies
Die Fruit Fly! Die!
Just like the ripened fruit attracts the fruit flies, so will the smell of apple cider vinegar, beer and wine. One solution to get rid of these pesky insects is to lure them into a trap! Either put a quarter cup of the apple cider vinegar, beer or wine in a long necked beer bottle or pop-top can and set on the counter. The small opening will make it difficult for them to get out.
If they seem to escape the beer bottle (those tricky buggers) then put the liquid into a small jar. Next, Secure a piece of plastic wrap to the top of the jar with a rubber band. Finally, poke a few holes into the plastic so they can enter (and hopefully not exit.)
Still having problems? The final solution is to add a few drops of liquid dish soap to the apple cider vinegar. Place the several traps in locations where the fruit flies seem to be the biggest nuisance. The dish soap will cut the surface tension and the fruit flies should sink and drown (yea!)
