How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies

Common fruit flies can be the pest of any kitchen. As temperatures start to heat up, here's how to keep the fruit flies away.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tools to clean your kitchen.
• Sweet wine or fruit juice.
• A jar
• Old or out-of-date fruit

1. Fruit flies love kitchens because of what's in them: old or rotting veggies and fruits are their favorite. For this reason, they most often appear around your sink or kitchen trash can. In addition to getting rid of the flies, you must get rid of what attracts them, so throw out any old or past-date fruit and vegetables.

2. Clean up! Take out the trash, wipe the countertops with a clean cloth and disinfectant, and rid the sink of any dirty dishes.

3. Now's the time to get rid of the flies for good! There are two main methods of fly removal. The first kills the flies, and the second allows you to release them. To kill the flies, place a cup or bowl of sweet wine or fruit juice (I find orange works best) on your kitchen countertop. The flies will gravitate towards it, and ultimately drown. This is a good option because the cleanup is minimal - just rinse the juice down the sink.

4. If you would like to spare the flies, take a mason or ball jar (just anything with a top), and place a piece or old or rotting fruit inside. Once you have a few flies buzzing around the fruit, place the lid over it and take the jar outside. Dump the jar with the fruit out, and your flies will go free (it never hurts to tell them not to come back!).

Tips & Warnings

• The fruit fly removal method works when you hold up your end of the bargain: continue to keep your kitchen clean, and the flies should not come back!