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Simple steps to keep fruit flies out of your home

By Musa Adekunle

12 October 2024   |   5:54 am

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If you’ve tried different ways to get rid of fruit flies in your home with no luck, these tips might just be the last remedy you need. Fruit flies are uninvited guests that thrive on overripe or decaying fruits and vegetables. They seem to linger in the kitchen, much like goats are drawn to fresh,…

If you’ve tried different ways to get rid of fruit flies in your home with no luck, these tips might just be the last remedy you need.

Fruit flies are uninvited guests that thrive on overripe or decaying fruits and vegetables. They seem to linger in the kitchen, much like goats are drawn to fresh, green grass.

Under the right conditions, these tiny brown bugs with red eyes can go from egg to adult in just a week. They love moist, decaying environments, so keeping your produce clean and dry is key. And if you still spot a few flying around, don’t fret. Here are some foolproof ways to banish them for good.

READ ALSO: Doctor advises Nigerians to apply caution eating sliced fruits

STEPS TO GET RID OF FRUIT FLIES

1. Locate the breeding site
The first step to controlling fruit flies is finding their breeding grounds. If they’re drawn to exposed food, dispose of it immediately and clean the area thoroughly. Any household cleaner will do. Once their breeding site is destroyed, you’ve taken a significant step toward solving the problem.

2. Check your bin and kitchen sink
After eliminating the source, inspect key areas like your kitchen bin, sink, compost container, or recycling bin. If any of these are dirty or clogged, now’s the time to clean them up. Fruit flies thrive in warm, humid spots, so running the air conditioner can also help drive them away.

Make sure to check for any signs of fly activity in these areas. Fruit flies are notorious for laying their eggs in dirty places, and they can carry germs that are harmful to humans. If you notice them lingering around, grab a bin cleaner—bleach works well—and scrub thoroughly. Make sure your bins are completely dry before using them again. This step is very important.

3. Store new produce in the fridge
Store your fruit in sealed containers or in the fridge’s produce drawer to keep fruit flies at bay. Many people think fruit flies only go after rotten fruit, but fresh produce can attract them too—even before it shows signs of spoiling.

4. Wash dishcloths and towels regularly
Damp, dirty fabrics create a perfect breeding ground for fruit flies to lay their eggs. Keep your kitchen clean and dry by regularly washing dishcloths and towels with hot water and detergent. Ensure they’re completely dry before storing them. This will eliminate any eggs or larvae and help keep your kitchen pest-free.

5. Clean up spills quickly
Fruit flies are drawn to anything sweet, like moths to a flame. Leftover spills from fruit juice, soda, or alcohol are like a buffet for them. These sugary spots are prime breeding grounds where they can lay eggs and multiply. But by keeping your kitchen clean and free of sticky messes, you’ll effectively starve them out and stop them from spreading.

DEALING WITH STUBBORN FRUIT FLIES

If fruit flies persist, you might consider making a homemade trap. One effective trick is to use a sweet attractant, like vanilla extract in a jar, to lure them in and trap them.

ARE FRUIT FLIES HARMFUL TO YOUR HEALTH?

Fruit flies may seem like mere nuisances, but they can pose health risks if left unchecked. These tiny insects often land on various surfaces, picking up bacteria and transferring them to your food. They’re especially attracted to waste, such as manure and faeces, which can carry harmful bacteria. Once they reproduce, female fruit flies deposit their eggs on fresh fruit, which can lead to contamination and create a health hazard for anyone consuming that food.