As we are already halfway through October and autumn settles in, fruit flies begin to appear in abundance so it’s best to be prepared for these pesky pests entering the home.
Fruit flies also go by the name of ‘vinegar fly’, ‘pomace fly’, or ‘banana fly’.
These persistent insects are drawn to the fresh produce shoppers bring indoors and often multiply rapidly.
To help Brits tackle fruit flies, John Stewart, a pest prevention specialist at Pest-Stop, shares his five top tips for keeping these pesky invaders away.
Some of the tips include the way individuals store their produce and keeping the home clean.
Store produce wisely
Fruit flies have a keen sense of smell and are particularly attracted to ripening and overripe produce.
Stewart said: “To reduce the chances of an infestation, store fruits like apples, ripe bananas and tomatoes in the fridge instead of on countertops.
“If you prefer to keep produce out, opt for a covered fruit bowl to minimise exposure and keep flies at bay.”
Throw out overripe or rotting produce
It’s crucial to keep an eye on what’s in the kitchen as fruit flies are quick to breed on decaying food.
Stewart suggests: “Washing your produce as soon as you get home can help remove any eggs or larvae that may be present on the surface.
“Whenever possible, store fruits and vegetables in airtight containers to prevent fruit flies from getting to them. Be mindful of leaving open drinks or food containers out, as flies can easily find their way inside.”
The pro also advises checking your fruit bowl regularly. He added: “Promptly remove any produce that’s starting to spoil and dispose of it in a sealed bin or compost container to prevent fruit flies from multiplying.”
Keep it clean
Keeping the kitchen clean and free of clutter is essential, as fruit flies are more likely to breed in dirty or messy areas.
Even the smallest spills or crumbs can attract these pests, so it’s important to clean up any spills immediately, especially those containing fruit juice or alcohol.
Regularly clean kitchen cupboards to remove spilt food and monitor for pests. If any are found, promptly dispose of the infested material in an outdoor bin to prevent spreading to new food sources.
Stewart advises: “Clean surfaces daily, paying close attention to areas near the sink, under appliances and around the bin.
“Rinse out containers before recycling and regularly clean sink drains where food debris tends to accumulate. If left untouched, this can create a perfect breeding ground for fruit flies.”
Additionally, empty the kitchen recycling bin frequently and ensure that external bins are well-sealed and positioned away from open windows and doors.
Trap and control
If fruit flies have already made themselves at home, a simple fruit fly trap is an ideal, non-toxic solution to capture adult flies. There are also DIY solutions that can be very effective.
The expert explains: “A shallow dish filled with apple cider vinegar and a few drops of dish soap can work wonders.
“Fruit flies are attracted to the vinegar but get trapped in the solution. Place these traps around your kitchen to catch and control fly numbers quickly.”
Shut the door on unwanted guests
As the weather cools, fruit flies can enter the home through tiny gaps and cracks. A little prevention can go a long way.
The expert instructed: “Inspect your home for any small openings around windows, doors and vents where fruit flies could sneak in.
“Seal these gaps with weather stripping or caulk to keep flies and other pests out as the colder months roll in.”
