Ultimate Guide to Fruit Fly Control at Home
Fruit flies may be tiny, but they can quickly become a big nuisance in your home. While buzzing in your face can be annoying, fruit flies can cause much worse problems. As they fly from food source to food source, they can spread foodborne illnesses like E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria. Getting rid of fruit flies is not just a matter of dealing with an irritation; it’s a matter of keeping a safe and sanitary home.
Where do Fruit Flies Come From?
But where do fruit flies come from in the first place? These pesky invaders often arrive undetected, hitching a ride as eggs or larvae on fresh produce. Homeowners across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland’s Eastern Shore frequently contact Viking Pest Control for help with fruit fly problems, especially in warmer months when these pests are most active.
Here’s what you need to know about fruit flies and how to keep them out of your kitchen for good.
How Do Fruit Flies Get Into the House?
Fruit flies often enter homes through produce purchased at grocery stores or farmers markets. Eggs and larvae can be present on the surface of fruits and vegetables, even if they look clean. Once inside, fruit flies quickly find food and moisture sources where they can continue breeding.
First Line of Defense: Clean Your Produce
A simple but highly effective way to reduce the risk of fruit fly infestations is to thoroughly wash all produce as soon as you bring it home. Better yet, store fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator when possible. Cold temperatures inhibit fruit fly development and can stop infestations before they start.
The Key to Fruit Fly Control: Sanitation
Harmful products are not necessary for fruit fly control. In fact, the best way to eliminate fruit flies is through good sanitation practices. Fruit fly eggs are typically laid on fermenting organic matter such as:
- Overripe fruit
- Rotten vegetables
- Food residue in garbage containers
- Organic scum inside sink and floor drains
To keep your home fruit fly-free:
- Clean garbage cans regularly to remove food buildup
- Scrub drains with enzyme-based cleaners to break down organic residue
- Check under and behind appliances for hidden food scraps
- Eliminate excess moisture by drying out damp areas
These simple steps can significantly reduce breeding sites and help prevent future infestations.
How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies Once they Mature
If adult fruit flies are already flying around your kitchen, you have a few options for quick control:
- Use 91% Isopropyl Alcohol Spray
Spraying adult fruit flies with 91% isopropyl alcohol kills them on contact. It’s an easy and safe method for immediate relief.
- Make a DIY Fruit Fly Trap
Create your own trap using items you probably already have:
- Fill a small dish with apple cider vinegar or red wine
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap
- Poke small holes in the wrap with a toothpick
The fruit flies will enter the fruit fly trap but won’t be able to escape.
- Treat Drains with Enzyme Cleaners
An enzyme-based drain cleaner can get rid of fruit flies in your drains without harmful side effects. These products break down the organic materials where flies lay their eggs, cutting off the problem at the source.
Still Seeing Fruit Flies? Viking Pest Can Help.
If your struggling to get rid of fruit flies despite your best efforts, it’s time to call in the professionals. At Viking Pest Control, we specialize in eco-friendly and effective solutions to eliminate fruit flies and prevent them from coming back.
Our Viking Green plans offer unique approaches to pest control with sustainability as a top priority. Our low-to-no-impact treatments and methods make sure that your pest problem gets solved without compromising on sustainability.
Serving homes across NJ, PA, DE, and the Eastern Shore of MD, Viking Pest’s local experts are ready to help you protect your home from fruit flies and other common pests.
Request a free estimate today and let Viking Pest Control help you get back to enjoying a clean, pest-free home!
