Summer is just around the corner which can only mean insects will be out in full force.
New research has found that 2024 is expected to be the worst year to date for fruit flies. While we go to lengths to get rid of the pests they somehow remain there.
However, experts at Alliance Online Ireland, who supply insect control devices, have come to the rescue.
They have shared their advice on ‘how to get rid of fruit flies’ with an average of 1,600 searches each month for the term in Ireland alone.
John Girvan from Alliance Online Ireland has provided steps you can take now to keep fruit flies at bay.
1. Keep surfaces clean and sanitised
This can not only prevent fruit flies but also any other insects which may be lurking around.
Girvan said: “Fruit flies usually appear in the kitchen when food is being prepared and served, especially common during the summer months when the doors and windows tend to be left open.
“Take out the rubbish bin more often than usual ahead of fruit fly season, so food waste doesn’t end up rotting – the perfect attraction and breeding ground for fruit flies.”
2. Store fruit and vegetables properly
“Fruit flies are attracted to the ripeness of fruit and vegetables and the smell of fermentation, so seal and refrigerate food and keep it in an airtight container,” Girvan advised.
You can get your hands on any plastic tubs or air-tight containers online or in the supermarkets.
3. Traps and natural repellents
Girvan suggested: “The most used, and arguably the most successful, fruit fly prevention tactics are traps and repellents. Traps and repellents are easy to set up as you will likely already have all the ingredients ready at home.
“For a trap, fill a small bowl or jar with apple cider vinegar and a few drops of washing-up liquid. Cover the container with plastic wrap and poke some small holes to entice the flies – this works with red wine too!”
Meanwhile, Girvan also suggested that natural repellents are a “strong deterrent” for fruit flies too.
He continued: “The strong scent of dried basil, mint and bay leaves can be simply left where you tend to find fruit flies which should repel them from the area.
“Alternatively, mix water with essential oils like lemongrass, lavender, or eucalyptus which can be sprayed as a natural repellent.”
4. Keep drains clean
Girvan said: “Fruit flies can breed and lay eggs in the organic matter in damp areas like drains.
“Clean your drains with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to eliminate any buildup and deter fruit flies from breeding there. If you don’t have baking soda or vinegar, boiling water could work just as well.”
Use a fan
The expert said that fruit flies are “weak” fliers and hate strong air currents.
“By placing a fan near where fruit flies congregate, you can create an environment with increased air circulation which makes it more difficult for the fruit flies to fly and land on surfaces,” he advised.
