Fruit flies have a nasty habit of multiplying when it’s humid in your home, and even though they’re harmless, they can quickly become invasive and particularly annoying. Whether they’re hanging around your plants or whirling around the fruit bowl in the kitchen, here are some simple, straightforward tips to ensure these little critters become only a distant memory.
Getting Rid of Fruit Flies: Simple, Effective, Natural Tips
Whether you’re trying to chase away fruit flies or find a natural ant deterrent, you first need to tackle the causes. The first thing to do is to vacuum regularly to clean up food remnants that could attract them and to dislodge swarms perched on furniture.
Another important habit in the fruit fly battle, like with mosquitoes, is to limit standing water. Cover fruits and dispose of decaying plants and bouquets.
One final tip: opt for sealed trash cans and place them outside the home, or use a lidded bin that you empty regularly.
Here are also a few tips using everyday ingredients to get rid of these flying insects in the house.
Fresh Mint
Take fresh mint leaves, chop them, and place them in a small container. Add some denatured alcohol and set two or three containers around the kitchen.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar, besides being a great degreaser for your kitchen, can also help eradicate fruit flies. In a small dish, pour apple cider vinegar and add a few drops of dish soap. Attracted by the scent, the fruit flies will dive in with all their wings and won’t come back out.
Everyday Products to Get Rid of Fruit Flies
Cork Stoppers: The Best Trick to Keep Fruit Flies Away from Fruit
Not sure what to do with your cork stoppers? Throwing them away? Great idea to rethink—fruit flies hate the scent of cork. If they swarm around your fruit bowls, tuck your corks into the bin and you’ll be surprised to see none fluttering nearby. It is a little harder to find natural cork these days, but it still works when you have it.
Black Soap
Black soap is also very effective for fighting flies and fruit flies that nest on your houseplants. The method is to dilute a tablespoon of liquid black soap in a liter of warm water, then add a teaspoon of baking soda. Once mixed, grab a spray bottle, spritz the liquid onto your plants, and say goodbye to the flying insects.
With these tips, you’re now equipped to rid your home of fruit flies. If you know of other tricks, feel free to share them in the comments.
FAQ: How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies Naturally?
Why do I have fruit flies in the house?
Fruit flies are drawn to moisture, overripe fruit, organic waste, and food residues. They can also breed in sinks (drains) or in the potting soil of houseplants.
What is the best natural trap against fruit flies?
The simplest and most effective trap is to pour apple cider vinegar into a small dish with a few drops of dish soap. The scent attracts the fruit flies, and they become trapped there.
How do you eliminate fruit flies in houseplants?
First, cut back on watering and let the soil dry out. Then, you can spray a mixture of diluted black soap in warm water (with a little baking soda) onto the leaves and the soil surface.
How can I prevent fruit flies from coming back?
To prevent a return, it’s essential to clean up food scraps, take out the trash regularly, cover fruits, disinfect drains, and avoid standing water (drain trays under plants, damp sponges).
