Fruit fly season is here, bringing with it the annoyance of tiny insects that seem to multiply overnight. A chef has shared a three-step method to get rid of them 'for good'.
Why Fruit Flies Keep Coming Back
Chef Charles Kim, known to his followers as 'Chef Fatty', explains that fruit flies are not attracted to the fruit itself but to the yeast growing in it through fermentation. The biggest source of fermentation in a house is often the gunk inside drains, not fruit.
One female fly can lay 500 eggs, which hatch in about a week, making it crucial to eliminate breeding grounds.
Three Steps to Eliminate Fruit Flies
First, cover any fruit left out on counters with mesh to prevent flies from laying eggs. Also, keep the sink and sponge clean, as flies can lay eggs inside sponges.
Second, trap existing flies by mixing apple cider vinegar, beer, and a ripe banana in a cup. Add a splash of dish soap to trap them. Cover the cup with plastic wrap, rubbing it with a banana to enhance aroma, and poke holes. Set it out for a few days to see results.
Third, clean all drains in the home, including bathroom and shower drains, using an enzyme cleaner. This bio-based liquid breaks down organic waste and odors at a molecular level. Leave it to sit overnight before rinsing.
Following these steps should help eliminate fruit flies for good. Keeping the home clean and free from fermentation will prevent their return.
