As soon as the weather gets warmer, the unpleasant fruit flies start to appear as an unwelcome guest in our homes. Not only are they bothersome, but they are also unhygienic, contaminating food and transmitting diseases.
But how can we get rid of fruit flies? We have prepared a comprehensive guide on how to permanently keep these unwanted insects away from your fruit bowl. Keep reading to learn how they reproduce and how to prevent an infestation. Check out all the tips!
Understanding the Fruit Fly Problem
Wherever fruit flies go, they carry germs along the way. Those who have fruit bowls at home know that this is a constant problem and need to learn how to protect food from germs that can cause diseases.
But why are flies attracted to this food? The reason is the acetic acid present in the fermentation of fruits. When they land, they can lay up to 500 eggs at once, which can hatch in just a few hours.
Therefore, it’s essential to learn how to efficiently eliminate fruit flies to prevent diseases and other issues.
Identifying Fruit Fly Infestations
To identify a fruit fly infestation, look for nearby ripe, rotten fruits, fermented products like beer, liquor, and wine. It’s also possible to notice the infestation near trash cans and garbage disposals, basically where there are food remnants.
Since they reproduce quickly, one or two flies are enough to cause an infestation. For this reason, it’s crucial to control foods that can ferment or are fermented, and to take measures to eliminate fruit flies.
The Life Cycle of Fruit Flies
The life cycle of fruit flies depends on several factors, one of the main ones being temperature. Typically, they have a life cycle that lasts around 8 to 14 days in the summer. On colder days, this process takes much longer.
Common Breeding Sites
Fruit flies breed in warm, moist organic material that is decomposing. They reproduce in materials like trash bins, decomposing fruits, ripe and rotten fruits, and food remnants, which are extremely attractive for this pest’s reproduction.
DIY Fruit Fly Traps and Remedies
To help eliminate fruit flies, you can use some DIY solutions. Or even buy a pot that comes ready-made and contains a specialized mixture of vinegar and yeast to attract and kill the flies.
There are some natural repellent tips you can make and use to eliminate fruit flies. Check out some of these tips.
Natural Repellents and Preventive Measures
Natural repellents and traps can be very effective in preventing fruit fly infestations. Here are two suggestions:
Apple Cider Vinegar Repellent
- Take a small container;
- Add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar;
- 2 tablespoons of water;
- Drops of fruity-scented detergent;
- Place the container where there are the most flies.
Coffee Filter and Rotten Fruit
- In a glass jar;
- Place a piece of fruit inside;
- Take a paper coffee filter and place it on top of the glass jar;
- Make a tip on the paper filter;
- Flies will get trapped in the paper filter as they get stuck.
Professional Pest Control Options
If the infestation gets out of control, the solution is to hire a specialized pest control company. The company will conduct an analysis and create a customized plan for your problem.
Another essential professional help to avoid fruit flies is to hire a home cleaning team. Regularly cleaning the house keeps it free from dirt and food remnants, not attracting unwanted insects.
Maintaining a Fruit Fly-Free Home
Now, after understanding how to eliminate fruit flies and how they reproduce, let’s understand how to prevent them from appearing.
- Keep the house clean;
- Always choose greener fruits, without bruises and rotten parts;
- Keep food refrigerated and consume it in due time;
- Regularly clean the trash bins;
- Remove trash from your home daily;
- Prefer trash cans with lids;
- Replace sponges and dishcloths;
- Clean sink drains to eliminate;
- Keep outdoor dining areas and barbecues clean.
Relying on professional help for cleaning services and keeping the residence clean is essential to avoid fruit flies.
Conclusion: Enjoy a Fly-Free Environment
Knowing how harmful the contamination left by fruit flies is, knowing how to eliminate them is essential to keep everyone healthy. Choosing food wisely and cleaning it properly, keeping the house clean are the best remedies to keep these unwanted insects away and protect your family.
