Natural Ways to Deal with Fruit Flies

With summer in full swing, an unwelcome guest is starting to appear in the PNW: fruit flies. These tiny pests can quickly become a nuisance, especially if left unchecked. Luckily, there are several natural and effective ways to manage and eliminate fruit flies without resorting to harsh chemicals. Here are some tried-and-true methods to keep your home fruit fly-free this season.

1. Cleanliness is Key

Fruit flies are attracted to ripe or decaying fruits and vegetables, so the first step in prevention is maintaining a clean environment. Here's how:

• Remove Overripe Produce: Regularly check and discard any overripe or rotting fruits and vegetables. Store fresh produce in the refrigerator when possible.
• Clean Kitchen Surfaces: Wipe down countertops, sinks, and other surfaces where food might have been prepared or spilled. Pay special attention to areas around trash cans and recycling bins.
• Empty Trash Cans Regularly: Make sure your trash cans are emptied frequently and cleaned to prevent any build-up of food residue.

2. Natural Traps

Creating homemade traps can be an effective way to reduce the fruit fly population. Here are a few simple traps you can make:

• Apple Cider Vinegar Trap: Fill a small bowl with apple cider vinegar and add a few drops of dish soap. The vinegar attracts the flies, and the dish soap breaks the surface tension, causing them to drown.
• Fruit Trap: Place a piece of overripe fruit in a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Poke small holes in the wrap. The flies will enter the trap but be unable to escape.
• Wine Trap: Leave a small amount of red wine in a bottle. The flies will be attracted to the wine and enter the bottle, but they won't be able to find their way out.

3. Essential Oils

Certain essential oils can act as natural repellents for fruit flies. Here are a few options to consider:

• Lavender Oil: Mix a few drops of lavender oil with water in a spray bottle. Use this mixture to clean surfaces and deter fruit flies from landing.
• Eucalyptus Oil: Similar to lavender oil, eucalyptus oil can be mixed with water and used as a surface cleaner and repellent.
• Lemongrass Oil: Adding a few drops of lemongrass oil to a cotton ball and placing it near fruit fly hotspots can help keep them at bay.

4. Natural Predators

Introducing natural predators into your environment can help control the fruit fly population:

• Carnivorous Plants: Plants like the Venus flytrap and pitcher plants can help reduce the number of fruit flies in your home. These plants naturally attract, trap, and digest small insects.
• Beneficial Nematodes: These microscopic worms can be introduced into the soil outside your home to help control various pests, including fruit fly larvae.

5. Preventative Measures

Taking preventative measures can help reduce the likelihood of a fruit fly infestation:

• Clean Drains: Pour boiling water or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down your drains to remove any organic matter that could attract fruit flies.
• Paper Bags: Store fruit in paper bags to allow the them to breathe while preventing fruit flies from accessing them.
• Inspect Groceries: Check fruits and vegetables for signs of overripeness or damage before purchasing them to avoid bringing fruit flies into your home.

We Can Help

Dealing with fruit flies can be a hassle, but these natural solutions can help you keep your home pest-free. At Soapy, we believe that one of the best forms of pest control is a clean home. Our professional cleaning services can help you maintain a pristine environment that will help keep unwanted pests at bay. Contact us today to learn more!