If you’re struggling with a fruit fly infestation, I truly feel your pain. As someone who has just got rid of a month-long invasion in my kitchen, I understand how annoying – and persistent – they can be (similarly to wasps).
After accidentally leaving a gifted box of apples at the bottom of an unused cupboard, I was suddenly faced with an influx of these pesky critters swarming around my home for weeks – with no idea why it was happening.
To find out how I finally won the battle against these irritating insects (and what causes them to appear in the first place), keep reading. I spoke with pest control professionals to learn the easiest way to get rid of them good and how long it can take.
How to get rid of fruit flies
1. Remove the source
Horrified after finding the box of mouldy apples, I quickly chucked them into the outside bin to prevent the flies from multiplying any further.
Even if your fruit and vegetables haven’t reached this state, Tony King, a pest control expert at The Pied Piper, advises removing any food source that is getting overripe, as it will lure them in.
2. Create a trap
Some people are sceptical about whether natural, DIY traps are actually effective, but let me assure you that this one collected hundreds of fruit flies – no exaggeration.
To recreate it yourself, follow the steps below:
- Pour apple cider vinegar into two plastic cups
- Cover each cup with cling film and poke small holes in the top
- Balance an electric fly swatter over the top (I left mine on charge so it was constantly on, but I kept an eye on it)
Tony says, "To trap the adult flies, I usually set up traps using vinegar or fruit-based lures, which aid in quickly reducing their numbers."
3. Maintain a clean home
Don’t forget to regularly empty your rubbish bins and ensure drains are unblocked and cleaned thoroughly, Tony adds.
Get these fruit fly trap essentials delivered next day
Lightweight and easy to use, this electric fly zapper kills bugs with the click of a button.
With its fermenting, overripe scent, apple cider vinegar is the fastest way to catch fruit flies.
A roll of cling film is key for your trap (and is always handy to have in the cupboard).
Tony King is the owner and manager of The Pied Piper, a leading pest control service that has been in operation for more than 25 years.
How long does a fruit fly infestation last?
"Once breeding sources are removed, infestations tend to subside within a few days, with most problems resolving completely within one to two weeks," says Daniel Steward, Managing Director of Shield Pest Control.
If you can’t seem to shake a fruit fly infestation, this usually indicates that a hidden food source or damp problem needs to be addressed.
With 24 years of experience in the pest control industry, Daniel has developed a deep understanding of the various diagnostic methods and techniques used to eliminate pests from homes and businesses.
How do you prevent fruit flies in your home?
1. Store food correctly
The most important step in preventing fruit flies is careful food storage and good housekeeping, advises Daniel Steward. This means keeping groceries and leftovers in sealed containers or in the fridge, regularly emptying your bins, and storing compost securely.
2. Cleaning
Remember to wipe down your worktops regularly – particularly if you’ve just prepared food – and keep on top of bin and drain cleaning.
3. Set up traps
While removing food sources is his number one prevention tip, Daniel recommends setting up simple vinegar traps during the warmer months, when waste is typically more exposed.
4. Early intervention
"For homeowners undertaking renovations or maintaining older properties, understanding how pests interact with the building fabric is essential," he says. "Shield Pest Control advises that early intervention, particularly where timber and moisture are involved, can prevent minor issues from becoming major structural problems."
Fruit flies reproduce at an alarming rate – hundreds in just a few days – so tackling the source of the problem is the quickest way to eliminate them for good.
If you’re dealing with more than one pest in your home, check out our guides on how to get rid of deathwatch beetles and rats.
