It is not unusual to see a bunch of flies hovering around a basket of sweet and mellow smelling ripe fruits. This is a special species of insects called fruit flies. Fruit flies are a common sight in kitchens, orchards or any other place where food is cooked or stored. Prevention is the best technique to keep your home free of these insects; nonetheless if they’ve already invaded your home, we have a few inexpensive measures to eliminate them effectively. Find out what they are in this short article.
Are they really Fruit Flies?
The extermination process starts with proper identification. Every species of insects is created with a different resistance level and hence what works for one might not necessarily get rid of another. Fruit flies are diminutive in size. They have a strong attraction for food items with a sweet or sugary smell such as fruits, candies and sodas and are often found where such food items are kept. They typically come out in fall.
Seal Food in Air Tight Containers
Leaving food uncovered on kitchen countertops is an open invitation to fruit flies. This not only includes edible foods but also unclean plates and garbage dump. If you want to get rid of fruit flies in the kitchen, store leftovers fit for consumption in a refrigerator or in air-tight containers. Keep your kitchen clean by wiping countertops after every meal and disposing wet garbage such as fruit and vegetable peels regularly.
Do not allow Food to Rot or Ferment
Overripe and rotting fruits tend to attract a larger crowd of insects. If a fruit or vegetable has become overripe and has started rotting, you should dispose it at the earliest.
Plug leaks
Many-a-times you realize that you continue to see fruit flies swarming around despite getting rid of all sweet-smelling foods in the house or sealing them in air tight containers. In such cases, the culprit is generally a leaky juice can or a wine barrel. Examine juice cans and other liquid containers for leaks. Another reason why you should plug leaks at the earliest because moisture coupled with the warmth of indoor living spaces creates an atmosphere conducive to their growth.
Set up Fly Traps
There are several types of ready fly traps available in the market. A homeowner can also make insect traps using ingredients from their kitchen cabinet. Vinegar is used to get rid of a variety of pests including mold and mildew growth around the house. It can also be used to eliminate fruit flies. Half- fill a container with apple cider vinegar. Place a plastic sheet over the mouth and seal it. Poke holes in the plastic sheet. The flies attracted by the tangy taste will get in but won’t be able to get out. You can do the same with mashed banana or red wine.
You can also purchase and hang sticky fly strips around the house. The fruit flies will stick to the strip and ultimately die. You can use a baited fly trap as well, but remember to keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
Fumigation
In addition to all the fruit fly extermination methods mentioned above, you can spray the house with chemical pesticides or natural solutions such as a diluted solution of lemongrass oil.
Soda cans are recyclable items; however rinse them carefully before you store them. As a precautionary measure, it will also help if you clean drains periodically.
So, get rid of fruit flies and keep your kitchen clean and safe.