A fruit fly infestation in your kitchen can be a significant issue. They are attracted to fruits and food scraps and are commonly found near garbage cans or fruit bowls.
These flies reproduce rapidly, laying up to 500 eggs at a time, making it essential to take quick action to prevent the problem from worsening.
What Causes a Fruit Fly Infestation?
It’s best to store ripened fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator instead of a fruit bowl to prevent fruit flies in your apartment.
Likewise, fruit flies are drawn to alcohol, so rinse all beer cans or wine bottles before placing them in the recycling bin.
Regularly cleaning out garbage and recycling containers can also prevent the buildup of food or liquid, which attracts fruit flies.
How to Make a Fruit Fly Trap
Making a homemade fruit fly trap is easy and effective. You only need a cup or jar, a sheet of paper, tape, and either vinegar or fruit.
To create the trap, roll the paper into a cone with a small opening at the bottom. This funnel should fit snugly inside your container with no gaps around the edges. Place the fruit or vinegar in the bottom of the container.
Another simple trap can be made by using a small cup filled with apple cider vinegar to attract the flies and dish soap to kill them. Choose your desired trap and be patient for results.
Use Plants to Deter Fruit Flies
Rue, originally from southern Europe, is now a popular houseplant. It thrives in your kitchen and repels fruit flies due to its strong, bitter aroma.
Historically, it was used in folk remedies but is not edible because of its strong bitter taste. The shrub-like herb can be grown in your kitchen to help keep fruit flies away.
Keep Your Apartment Clean to Keep Fruit Flies Away
Maintaining a clean environment is critical to preventing fruit flies in your apartment. Regularly cleaning your kitchen and other areas where food scraps may accumulate is crucial in deterring fruit flies.
Keep an eye on areas such as sink drains, dishwashers, stovetops, ovens, and the floor in front of the refrigerator, and keep them free of food debris. Keeping these areas clean can prevent fruit flies from making an appearance in the first place.
If cleaning and other preventative measures are ineffective, you can consider purchasing a commercial fruit fly trap or repellent.
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