Fruit flies are small brown flies that can appear all year round, but they are more commonly seen in the warmer months. This is because they are attracted to ripening fruit, which ripens more quickly in heat. They can also be drawn to drains, bins, and cupboards where food is kept. These pests are notoriously hard to eliminate because a single female can lay up to 500 eggs on the surface of a fruit, and their life cycle lasts 40 to 50 days. While fruit flies are not harmful, they can be incredibly annoying when they invade your kitchen.
Simple DIY Method to Banish Fruit Flies
I decided to try a trick that banished them in one day. The first step is to locate and dispose of the food source that attracts fruit flies. After that, GoodFood recommends making a DIY trap, calling it the “most effective” way to catch any remaining pests. They explained: “A DIY fly trap works by baiting fruit flies with a sweet-smelling fermenting liquid, luring them into a trap where they are then stuck and drown in the liquid.”
What You Need
- A bowl
- Apple cider vinegar (or alternatives like wine, orange juice, banana peels, or honey)
- A drop of washing-up liquid
- Cling film to cover the bowl
- A toothpick or scissors to make holes in the top
Step-by-Step Instructions
First, pour a small amount of apple cider vinegar into the bowl. Add a drop of washing-up liquid and a splash of water, then stir everything to combine. The experts note: “The bait needs to be enticingly pungent enough to lure the fruit flies into the trap. Apple cider vinegar is the most reliably effective bait.” Adding a drop of washing-up liquid increases the trap’s effectiveness because the detergent reduces surface tension, causing fruit flies to drown more easily. It also coats the flies in a thin layer of detergent, making it much harder for them to escape.
Next, wrap a piece of cling film tightly over the bowl. Use scissors or a toothpick to make small holes in the top. These holes allow fruit flies to enter but make it difficult for them to exit. Place the trap near the infested area, such as near fruit bowls or bins.
Results
It took a few hours for the first fruit flies to appear, but the experts say it can work in as little as a few minutes. This hack was extremely effective for me, and I haven't seen any fruit flies in my kitchen since. The best part? It cost me less than 5p, as I already had apple cider vinegar in my cupboard. This simple, low-cost method is a game-changer for anyone dealing with pesky fruit flies.
