Fruit flies are tiny pests that are taking over homes all across Georgia and the country. They can be found swarming in kitchens and pantries, around sink drains, and garbage cans year-round; and once they get into your home it can seem impossible to get them out. However, there is good news- you don’t have to take this attack lying down! There are many easy, inexpensive and natural ways to get rid of and control these tiny terrors in your home.

Here are 5 easy ways to control and eliminate fruit flies from your home.

1. Store all fruits, vegetables, and other food items in containers with tight fitting lids or in the refrigerator. Do not store food out in the open on counters or tables.
2. Make sure to wash your dishes regularly; don’t leave them in your sink overnight. After washing the dishes make sure to rinse out the sink and routinely clean the sink drains to ensure that food particles aren’t accumulating in them.
3. Get creative and make a fruit fly trap; one of the most effective fruit fly trap uses apple cider vinegar (its sweet smell attracts the fruit flies) and dish soap. Pour ½- 1 cup of apple cider vinegar into a jar along with 1-2 drops of dish soap (this breaks the surface tension of the vinegar and causes the fruit flies to drown). Place a paper funnel that is secured with tape in the mouth of the jar to help the flies enter into the jar, but prevent them from being able to exit.
4. Invest in an insect eating plant. Sundews (Drosera) have leaves that naturally produce sweet juices; these secretions will attract fruit flies who will then become trapped in the leaves. Once they are trapped the plant will quickly digest the fruit flies, not only effective against fruit flies and other insects, but very cool to watch as well!
5. When all else fails get out your trusty vacuum cleaner. After removing all possible food sources (see number 1 on the list) use the hose attachment to suck up all the pesky fruit flies that you can find.

Here at Active Pest Control we understand just how frustrating having problems with fruit flies in your home can be and want you to know that we would be happy to help. If controlling fruit fly populations on your own just isn’t doing the trick that’s okay and why we are here! Our professionals will be able to inspect your home, find the areas that are attracting the fruit flies and offer effective treatment solutions quickly!

For more information on how our professionals can help to control fruit flies and other household pest through our residential pest control services contact us today!