Do you have fruit flies in your Illinois home? Here’s how to get rid of the tiny pests
Fruit flies are more prevalent in warmer seasons, and the Illinois Department of Public health advises residents to regularly inspect their homes for the pests.
The insects are gnat-sized as adults and usually have red eyes and tan bodies, according to the state health department. Fruit flies are also known as vinegar flies, and they’re attracted to ripening or rotting fruit and vegetables, as well as liquor, syrup, vinegar and soda.
Fruit flies are known for their ability to “rapidly reproduce,” Jim Fredericks, board-certified entomologist and senior vice president of public affairs for the National Pest Management Association, wrote in an email to the News-Democrat.
Here’s what to know about protecting your home from fruit fly infestations and how to get rid of them once they come inside.
How can you avoid fruit flies?
There are several steps you can take to try to minimize the chances of fruit flies plaguing your home, including taking the trash out regularly and cleaning the can as needed.
“Fruit flies are also attracted to and sometimes breed in dark, moist, and unsanitary environments like drains, garbage disposals, and trash bins where rotting produce materials may collect,” Fredericks said. “The flies are attracted to the odor of fermenting items caused by yeast cells, which fruit fly larvae consume.”
If you’ve noticed tiny flies around your houseplants, they’re probably not fruit flies. Fungus gnats, which are tiny, dark-colored flies, are more likely to be attracted to houseplants, Fredericks said.
To block off potential entry points for fruit flies, check the seals for your doors and windows to make sure there’s not space for them to squeeze through.
Another best practice is to regularly wipe down your counters so residue doesn’t accumulate. It’s also important to clean drain lines, garbage disposals and any other locations where food waste may accumulate, Fredericks continued.
Storing produce in the refrigerator may protect it from fruit flies, and disposing of any rotting food before the flies get to it can also be helpful. You might consider composting the waste.
How to get rid of fruit flies
The first thing Fredericks recommends to get rid of fruit flies is to eliminate their breeding grounds by throwing out any decaying produce (or use any overripe bananas to make banana bread).
Because fruit flies reproduce so quickly, controlling an infestation may be difficult, Fredericks said. Female fruit flies can lay up to 500 eggs, which can hatch in a single day, he continued. If it proves to be too much to manage yourself, Fredericks advised people to consider contacting a pest management professional.
Another option to remove the pests is to set traps, which are often sold at grocery stores. You can also try home remedies, the website for insurance company State Farm says. A small jar with apple cider vinegar covered in thick plastic wrap with a small hole in the middle might do the trick.
