Do you have a fruit fly problem during Midwest heat? Here’s how to get rid of them
Now might be a good time to throw away any leftover fruit you have. Unless you want some unwanted guests in your home this time of the year.
Fruit flies can show up at any time, but they’re most likely to appear during the summer months when temperatures are high, according to WebMD. Unfortunately for Kansas City residents, temperatures are dangerously high this week, as the National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning for the area until Thursday.
The flies with bright red eyes can lay up to 500 eggs, and the females like to lay them in ripening fruit, vegetables or any organic matter, according to the University of Missouri Extension, which is why fruit flies seem to appear out of nowhere. Fruit flies are also attracted to fermented goods, including liquor, wine and beer.
The life cycle of a fruit fly is quick. It takes less than 10 days for a newly born fly to become an adult, depending on the environment. However, because female flies can lay so many eggs at once, it can be a challenge for people to get a population under control.
These flies are a part of the genus Drosophila, which means “lover of dew” coming from the Greek roots drosos, “dew,” and philos, “loving.
While fruit flies are mainly a nuisance, they can cause illness if the larvae infest food preparation areas and the food is consumed. Here are some measures you can take to prevent them from coming into your home.
How do I get rid of fruit flies in my home?
The first thing you should do to get rid of fruit flies in your house is throw away any overripe fruit, the University of Missouri says. You should also make sure to clean the drains in your sinks, as flies can pop up there if there’s any leftover food.
If you have fruit trees in your backyard, check to see if any of the fruits are rotten and get rid of those that are since fruit flies can populate there.
You should wipe down any surfaces and clean the inside of your trash cans, according to a blog post by State Farm.
State Farm also recommends these tips to keep fruit flies away:
- Compost, bake or throw away fruit that’s almost or is overripe.
- Store your fresh produce in the fridge.
- Clean your drains once a month to prevent fruit fly-friendly buildup.
- Try not to leave dirty dishes overnight.
- If you can, use trash bags and trash cans with lids.
- When you pour the last drop of liquid from your beer bottles, beer cans, wine bottles, juice jugs or vinegar bottles, rinse them out before tossing them into your trash can or recycling container.
- When spills happen, clean them as fast as you can.
- Remove your trash from your kitchen often.
What traps can I use to get rid of fruit flies?
If fruit flies continue to be an issue, you can get rid of them by using homemade traps.
One trap uses apple cider vinegar and plastic wrap. You will need to fill a glass with the vinegar, which fruit flies are attracted to, cover the opening of the glass with plastic wrap and poke enough holes so flies can get in.
Once the fruit flies enter the trap, they won’t be able to get out. Good Housekeeping also recommends trying the paper funnel method or purchasing a premade fly trap.
