Fruit flies are tiny brown insects that appear year-round but are more common in kitchens as the weather warms up. They are attracted to ripening produce, which happens faster in heat, as well as drains, rubbish bins, and cupboards where food is stored.
Why fruit flies are hard to eliminate
These pests can lay up to 500 eggs on produce surfaces and have a lifecycle of 40 to 50 days, which explains why they seem to always be present. While not dangerous, they can be incredibly annoying.
A simple DIY trap that works
Identifying and removing the food source is the first step. After that, GoodFood recommends a DIY trap as the "most effective" method to capture lingering pests. The trap baits fruit flies with a sweet-smelling fermenting liquid, luring them in where they drown.
To create the trap, I used a bowl, apple cider vinegar, a drop of washing-up liquid, and clingfilm. I also needed a toothpick or scissors to make holes in the top. Experts say apple cider vinegar is the most reliably effective bait, but alternatives include wine, orange juice, banana peels, and honey.
I mixed a drop of vinegar with washing-up liquid and a splash of water in a bowl, stirring thoroughly. The detergent reduces surface tension, making the flies drown more easily, and coats them so they cannot escape.
I stretched clingfilm tightly over the bowl and pierced several small holes. Within hours, the first fruit flies appeared, though experts say it can take just a few minutes. The method was remarkably successful: my kitchen has been fruit fly-free ever since. The cost was less than 5p, as I already had apple cider vinegar.
