Fruit flies can be eliminated permanently using a simple DIY trap made from the very fruit that attracts them, according to Reader's Digest. The publication suggests placing overripe chopped fruit in a bowl, covering it tightly with plastic wrap secured by a rubber band, and poking small holes with a toothpick. The holes must be large enough for flies to enter but too small for them to escape.
Why Fruit Flies Invade Kitchens
In warmer weather, fruit flies become a common nuisance in kitchens, particularly around fruit bowls. The flies often arrive on groceries and begin breeding almost immediately upon landing. Female fruit flies can lay up to 500 eggs at a time, and those eggs can hatch within just 24 hours, leading to rapid infestations.
Additional Prevention Tips
To prevent fruit flies from gathering, store fruit in the refrigerator rather than on countertops. This keeps produce out of reach. While fruit flies are not known to pose direct health risks, their presence often indicates a need for thorough cleaning of the affected area.
