Say Goodbye to Pesky Fruit Flies: 7 Effective Ways to Get Them Out of Your House

1. Eliminate Attractants
   The first step in fruit fly control is to remove their sources of attraction. Fruit flies are drawn to ripe or fermenting fruits and vegetables, spilled juices, and sugary substances. Inspect your kitchen for overripe produce and promptly discard it in a sealed bag outside your home. Clean up spills or sticky residues around fruit bowls or trash cans. By depriving fruit flies of their preferred food sources, you'll discourage them from lingering in your home.
2. Use Vinegar Traps
   Apple cider vinegar can be used to make an effective homemade fruit fly trap. Pour some vinegar into a small dish or a glass jar and cover it with plastic wrap. Secure the plastic wrap with a rubber band and poke a few small holes. Fruit flies will be attracted to the vinegar's scent, but once they enter the jar, they won't be able to escape. This method is highly effective at trapping and reducing fruit fly populations.
3. Red Wine Trap
   Like the apple cider vinegar trap, fruit flies are also attracted to the aroma of red wine. Fill a small container with red wine and cover it with plastic wrap, securing it with a rubber band. Poke a few holes in the plastic wrap to allow the fruit flies to enter but not leave. The sweet scent of the wine will draw them in, and they will get trapped inside the container.
4. Create a Fruit Fly Repellent Spray
   Leverage the power of essential oils to create a natural fruit fly-repellent spray. Mix water in a spray bottle with a few drops of essential oils such as lemongrass, eucalyptus, or lavender. Spritz this mixture around your kitchen counters, near fruit bowls, and other areas where fruit flies gather. Not only will this help keep fruit flies at bay, but it will also give your kitchen a pleasant aroma.
5. Keep Your Kitchen Clean and Tidy
   Fruit flies are attracted to more than just fruit. They can breed in moist, decaying organic matter, such as damp sponges, dirty dishes, and trash cans. Clean your kitchen regularly, wipe down countertops, and wash dishes promptly. Empty and clean your trash cans regularly, and consider using a lid to keep fruit flies from accessing the contents.
6. Seal Your Fruits and Vegetables
   Keep your fruits and vegetables fresh for longer and deter fruit flies by storing them in airtight containers or sealed plastic bags. This prevents fruit flies from accessing the produce and contains any potential infestations, so they don't spread to other fruits and veggies.
7. Check Houseplants
   Fruit flies can also be attracted to overwatered houseplants, where the soil provides an ideal breeding ground. To prevent this, avoid overwatering your plants and make sure they have proper drainage. You can also place a sand or fine gravel layer on the soil surface to discourage fruit flies from laying eggs.