Any ideas on how to get rid of fruit flies,gnats after the food has been thrown out.?

Answer 1

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.

Garbage cans and dumpsters should have tight-fitting lids and be cleaned regularly.

Drainage will often aid control, getting rid of extra moisture.

Openings of buildings should be tightly screened with screen.

The fruit fly larvae may feed on the sides of the drain and in the drain trap if there is an accumulation of organic debris there. You can check it by placing some tape over the opening (leave some opening for air flow). If you find these flies stuck to the tape, you have discovered the source.
Gentrol Aerosol is an aerosol insect growth regulator to use to kill fruit fly eggs and discourage immature fruit fly development.
Gentrol can be applied into drains, under appliances, floor mats, around plants, dumpsters, etc.


Re-grouting tiles to prevent water seepage into walls will stop fruit fly breeding in those sites. If found in rotting vegetable matter, the source should be destroyed.


Clean dirty garbage containers, wet lint under the washing machine, and even standing water in containers under houseplant pots. Outside the home, inspect air conditioners, bird baths, shallow stagnant pools of water and sewage treatment facilities upwind as the fruit fly will travel with the wind.

Answer 2

I had trouble with gnats a little while ago. I'm now "gnat-free" thanks to a tip from another source. Using a small clear dish, such as a custard dish, place 2 tablespoons of regular sugar and 1/2 cup of white vinegar in it. Gently stir. Set dish in the room where needed and then add 1 teaspoon of Dawn dish detergent. Don't stir again. (You may need extra dishes for additional rooms if the gnats are a problem elsewhere.)
Somehow the little darlings are attracted to the sugar and vinegar, but when they try to take a taste, they become trapped under the film of the dish soap.
I was told this tip would take a few days to rid my home of the insects, but they were gone within 24 hours!

Hope this helps!
T

Answer 3

Regular fruit flies and gnats will die very shortly of their own accord after a food source has been removed. Wash out your trash can in case there is any residue. I think the life span of a fruit fly is only acouple of hours. Search your house, kitchen etc for any food that might have been missed.

Answer 4

UGH my nasty dirty brother was staying with me and he left my entire kitchen with those little fruit fly gnats everywhere I was literally walking around the entire house sparying that all purpose kitchen cleaner on them - - basically I ended up moving out of my apartment because I couldn't stand it anymore!!

Answer 5

Cover the scraps with a thin layer of soil.