how do i get rid of fruit flies, that have currently infested my house???

Question

i live in michigan.. and so keeping the windows open is not an option as it is too cold.. any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.. these flies are a real bother...

Answer 1

I also live in Mich., the UP found out they were blown in from the lake, ( due to the warm water from the power plant) house was over taken by them had do call my sis and got the cure:

Take a clear glass jar, any size I used pint canning jars then threw them away.
cut a piece of banana and drop it in the jar

cover with Saran wrap, tightly, then I screwed on the cap, you could use a rubber band

Take sharp steak knife and poke little holes in the Saran wrap, set on window sill and Waite! They can go in but can't get out, empty it twice a day and don't forget, the eggs hatch fast and the baby fruit flies are smaller and will fly out.

Did you know that all you need is one fruit fly, it needs no mate, the darn thing can lay 80 eggs a day!

Do not stop until you go 5 days without catching any, I quit too early because hubby hated the jars, they came back and had to do it all over again.

Note. Mine were mainly in the kitchen and they do like water, took every plant out of the kitchen and made sure that there was not even a drop of standing water anywhere in the kitchen because these things thrive on water, ie the dish rag, sink, my thing I keep my scrubby in were offer taken, they can gather and lay eggs in a drop of water! These things are nasty!

Answer 2

Very simple and inexpensive. First wrap all fruit and veggies and put them in the fridge. Second, before you go to bed (or leave the affected area) pour a half of a cup of chlorine bleach into each drain. Sinks, toilet, floor drain. This is where they breed. The bleach will kill the larvae overnight. Problem will be solved in 2 days, guaranteed.

Answer 3

Exclusion and Sanitation, Insecticides, Traps, and Aerosols

1. Exclusion and Sanitation:


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 such as V One Pyrethrum
(Pyrethrin spray) can be used as a quick kill, reducing populations of flying insects.


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.

Pouring bleach down the drain is not effective.
A bacterial digester like DF 5000 or Invade Bio Gel may be used to break up the organic debris.

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 4

down here in jamaica, we usually burn palm leaves in the house with the windows open. but i dont think thats legal in america...you can try putting piles of fruit and animal excrement in strategic locations in your yard and that should draw most of the flies...after that you can light the pile on fire and then have a cookout or something and invite your friends...maybe have some burgers and hot dogs...

Answer 5

You can get rid of flies by using pest control.
I found the information at http://www.pests.in

Answer 6

you can either get some hot shot and spray the house or call the pest controll folks and have them spray for you but you should leave the house for a while if its sprayed by either you or the pest folks

Answer 7

Bug Bomb the place. When you are done keep fruit in the fridge.