6 ways to get rid of fruit flies
Fruit flies are drawn to sweet, fermenting or rotting fruits, so it's not uncommon to find them buzzing around your kitchen.
While the tiny red-eyed insects are harmless, they lay their eggs on the surface of fruits and love to feed on ripened produce. They are most common in the balmy summer months, but can be a problem all year round if they aren't dealt with properly.
Are you looking for a fuss-free way to get rid of fruit flies in your home? From emptying the bins regularly to using lavender, take a look at some all-natural remedies below...
1. Rinse your fruit when you get home
You may unwittingly bring fruit flies home from the supermarket on fresh produce, so ensure you wash any you buy immediately to remove potential eggs or larvae. Simply rinse under the tap throughly.
If you find that still isn't working, you could try a part-water part-vinegar solution instead. Give your fruits a quick clean with the vinegar solution and its strong scent will put the flies off. Remember to rinse again before eating so the acidic taste has gone.
2. Keep your kitchen clean
A great way to minimise the presence of fruit flies is to keep your kitchen clean; wipe down surfaces regularly, bin mouldy fruits (don't forget to pop them on your compost heap!) and empty your bins.
Make sure you also mop up any spilt drinks immediately and give your kitchen floor a deep clean every so often. Don't forget to check drains, either: fruit flies can manifest there too.
3. Take care of damp cloths
Wet cleaning cloths left on the side can attract fruit flies, so make sure you pop them in the washing machine regularly. This will minimise the amount of bacteria and keep your kitchen sparkling clean.
4. Use basil
Fruit flies repel basil, so why not consider placing some basil leaves near your fruit bowl to put them off? You could also grow basil on your kitchen windowsill — it will make your room smell fresh but also keep the flies away. It's a win-win.
5. Soak sponges in lavender oil
Much like basil, fruit flies don't like the smell of strong lavender. Try soaking dish cloths or cotton wool balls in a little lavender oil and leaving them beside your fruit bowl. It's a clever way to naturally deter the insects without harming them.
6. Use a fruit fly net
A fly net — which won't harm the insects — keeps the bugs away from fruits and plates of food. As well as being incredibly purse-friendly, it works wonders. Simple pop open and place over the items you want to cover. Definitely an option to consider if you're battling the bugs on a daily basis.
Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.
You Might Also Like
