How the heck do you get rid of fruit flies!?

Question

My kids put a banana peel in the garbage next to the computer, and now I have a swarm of fruit flies in here! They are always a problem at this time of year. HOW CAN I GET RID OF THEM?

Answer 1

They are usually NOT that difficult to get rid of UNLESS you have many fruit trees that are bearing fruit.. Other than that:

Sanitation is the first measure of defense, even though there are various traps and sprays that are used to kill fruit flies, it is necessary to eliminate the source in order to eliminate them.

The key to controlling these fruit fly infestations is to locate and eliminate their breeding sources.

Fruit Fly Inspection: Look first for fruit fly sources in areas where vegetables or fruits are stored outside refrigeration.
Also look for fruit fly sources in garbage cans , under appliances, and recycling bins. When searching for fruit fly breeding sources, remember that the larva can only survive in decaying organic matter that is moist.

All stages of a fruit fly infestations depend on organic debris to complete the complete fruit fly cylcle.

Whenever possible, food and materials on which fruit flies can lay their eggs must be removed, destroyed, as a breeding medium, or isolated from the egg-laying adult.

Killing adult fruit flies will reduce infestation, but elimination of fruit fly breeding areas is necessary for good management.


A space spray KONK II is great for getting rid of them also.

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
How the heck do you get rid of fruit flies!?
My kids put a banana peel in the garbage next to the computer, and now I have a swarm of fruit flies in here! They are always a problem at this time of year. HOW CAN I GET RID OF THEM?

Answer 3

We live in an antique house, so we get stuck with them, too. This is the only way we've found to get rid of them for sure:

Keep the sink dry and completely free of dishes. Wash and dry dishes prior to eating if possible, but if not, fill them with water and detergent and get to them immediately after. Cover all garbage cans and only open them for a few seconds at a time. Keep all cabinet doors closed. Seal off moist areas, like basements and closets. Keep food in an airtight place, keep bread tied tightly, with the tail of the bread tucked underneath (somehow they get in there otherwise). Completely remove dish rags and sponges while they're wet, and place them outside until they're dry.

Within two days the generation of fruit flies born today will die. You should notice significantly fewer flies by then. After four days, it will look like they've all gone. Usually we have to do all of this for about a week until they really aren't there (and sometimes I lie to my husband because I like seeing him wash dishes four times a day!)

I've heard other things work. I've tried vinegar, and it has seemed to help in conjunction with the other method.

Answer 4

I don't know about getting rid of them, but you can prevent them by taking your trash out immediately and by making sure there are no holes in your window screens. Also, keep your house cooler if possible. They tend to stay where it's warm.

Answer 5

Leave a glass of beer on the counter. the flies will be attracted to it, fall in and drown. (what a way to go!)

Answer 6

get rid of the food source, they will be gone in 48 hours

I know, that isn't much help, but it is the most common treatment

Answer 7

Someone told me that if you leave a pan of bleach wherever the bugs are, they'll leave, because they don't like the fumes. I don't know if it works, I haven't tried it. But try it and see. I really would love to know if that works. lol

Answer 8

I would say buy some bombs( insecticide) pick a day when everyone is going to be gone for 4 hours and set them off.

Answer 9

take all ripe fruit out of the house. open all windows to let them out.

Answer 10

i hate them my self I just spray the house with bug spray.