Checking your lawn once a day for fallen fruit is the best way to keep fruit flies away, according to home and garden expert Andy Simms of MyBuilder.com.
Fruit flies breed quickly in suitable conditions and are strongly attracted to ripening and fermenting fruit, sugary liquids and damp organic matter. A few flies can become a large infestation in just a few days.
Daily lawn checks and grass covering
Simms warned: "These pests are a particular nightmare around our properties, as they breed very quickly, meaning that a few fruit flies can become a large infestation in just a few days. They're also prone to entering into our homes, and can easily do so through tiny gaps around our windows and doors."
He advised: "To keep these pests away, your best bet is to regularly check that your lawn is clear of any fallen fruit by checking your lawn once a day."
If fruit needs disposing of, it should not be placed on top of a compost bin, as this can still attract pests. Instead, grass from the garden can be used to conceal the waste. "You'll do a much more effective job of keeping them away if you cover fruit up with grass," he added.
Vinegar traps and sealing entry points
If the pests remain a problem, Simms recommended creating an apple cider vinegar trap. According to TheKitchn.com, this involves taking a jar, piercing a few small holes in the lid (or using cling film), then filling it with a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar and a few drops of washing-up liquid. Once positioned, fruit flies will be drawn to it.
Simms added: "At the same time, it may be worth checking for, and sealing, entry points into your home, as well as looking for hidden sources of moisture, such as in your drains and plant pots. These places are especially where pesky fruit flies love to lay eggs!"
Kitchen cleanliness and bin care
According to Good Food, maintaining cleanliness, particularly in the kitchen, should also be a priority. They advise storing fresh produce correctly as soon as it arrives home and properly discarding anything no longer fit for consumption.
They also recommend washing up immediately, especially during warm weather, and keeping the sink spotless down into the drain. Pouring a kettle of boiling water down the plughole can eliminate any eggs or larvae residing there. Bins should be emptied frequently, particularly food waste caddies, and kitchen cloths should be washed in the washing machine.
