soho-logo-Hoz-Light

How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies: Tried & True Strategies

May 5, 2022
How to get rid of fruit flies Australia

Do you have a problem with pesky fruit flies invading your home? If so, you are not alone. These tiny pests can be difficult to get rid of, but you can send them packing with the right strategies. 

Let’s discuss some of the best answers to the question of how to get rid of fruit flies Australia and keep them away for good.

Reference articles:

What do fruit flies look like?

Fruit flies are small, dark-coloured insects typically seen near ripe fruit or vegetables. They are attracted to the sweetness of fruit and can lay their eggs in the soft flesh. As the larvae develop, the flies feed on the fruit, causing it to rot.

Where do fruit flies come from?

Fruit flies are often brought into the home on fresh fruits and vegetables. They can also come in through open doors and windows or be carried in on your clothing.

Once you find these small flies in the house, they will lay their eggs in any ripe fruit or vegetable that they can find. Thus, you move to the bigger question, how to get rid of fruit flies Australia?

How to get rid of fruit flies inside your home?

There are a few different ways to get rid of fruit flies.

Find the source of the infestation and remove it

This is often the most effective way to get rid of fruit flies. If you can get to know where they are coming in from and remove them, you will be able to stop them from getting into your home in the first place.

Clean up any spills

How to get rid of fruit flies Australia

Fruit flies love living and breeding in warm damp spaces, so they’ll likely show up here first before spreading elsewhere nearby. Thus, finding fruit flies in the kitchen is pretty standard.

After seeing the source of your problem, check out any draining in or around the kitchen sink. If it’s clogged and needs cleaning, now is a great time to take care of them.

Keep an eye on those trash cans because these little pests sometimes go looking for food right there (and end up breeding). Make sure everything has been wiped down using bleach spray.

Fruit flies are attracted to sweetness, so if there are any spills on your countertops or floors, clean them up right away.

Use a DIY trap

There are many different traps that you can use to catch fruit flies. One tried and tested method is to fill a jar with some sweet liquid (like honey or fruit juice) and cover it with plastic wrap.

Poke a few small holes in the plastic wrap and wait for the fruit flies to fly in. Once they are inside, they will not be able to escape, and you can dispose of them.

Buy a fruit fly trap

Fruit fly traps can be purchased online or at home improvement stores if you don’t want to use a vinegar trap or another DIY approach. The Bunnings Fly Trap comes with a liquid that you pour into the apple-shaped trap, and the bugs drown as the aroma attracts them.

Flypunch is a similar product, it comes in a jar that looks like a spice jar, and all you have to do is open the lid and place it near the bugs.

Bait them with rotten fruits

How to get rid of fruit flies Australia

You can rid your house of pesky fruit flies using things you may already have in the kitchen. This includes any rotten or open food which attracts them, such as leftover juice boxes from breakfast cereal. Follow these steps:

  • Instead of tossing out those rims, put them into a disposable container covered with plastic wrap poke holes here and there so air circulates through them.
  • Wait for around 24-48 hours, depending on how bad the infestation is. 
  • Get ready by picking off dead ones with a paper towel and dumping them into the toilet.
  • If you have a lot of fruit flies, you may want to do this multiple times a day until they are all gone.

Use essential oils

Essential oils can be used as an effective natural fruit fly repellent. Oils such as citronella, lavender, eucalyptus, and lemongrass are all known to repel fruit flies. 

You can either diffuse these oils in your home or make a fruit fly spray by mixing a few drops of oil with water in a spray bottle.

With these tips, you should be able to get rid of fruit flies in house and keep them away for good.

How to get rid of fruit flies – natural ways

Vinegar flies: One of the best answers to how to get rid of fruit flies Australia is to set out a trap using apple cider vinegar. Pour some vinegar into a bowl and add a drop or two of dish soap. 

The dish soap breaks the surface tension of the vinegar, causing the fruit flies to drown. You can also use red wine or beer instead of vinegar.

How to kill fruit flies?

How to get rid of fruit flies Australia

If you’re looking for a more heavy-duty solution, there are several insecticides that you can use. Follow the directions on the label carefully, and always apply the insecticide or a fruit fly spray in a well-ventilated area.

How do you prevent fruit flies?

The most effective way to prevent bar flies is to keep your kitchen clean and free of food debris or alcohol. Before you eat them, be sure to wash all fruits and vegetables and clean up any spills or crumbs right away. 

You should also empty your garbage can regularly and keep it covered to prevent fruit flies from laying their eggs in the trash, and you’ll never have to ask how to get rid of fruit flies Australia.

Like what you’re reading?

Keep yourself updated with valuable tips like how to get rid of fruit flies Australia by downloading our app for the whole Soho experience. We help you find your dream home, save for it, and decorate it! So don’t forget to swipe on your property matches so we can get you there faster.

Soho
Soho is your expert team in Australian real estate, offering an innovative platform for effortless property searches. With deep insights into buying, renting, and market trends, we guide you to make informed decisions, whether it's your first home or exploring new suburbs.
Share this article
soho-logo-Hoz-Light
Don’t waste time searching for a home. Let our AI do the work
Soho logo

Our AI match engine will match you with over 150,000+ properties and you can swipe away or shortlist easily. Making your home buying journey faster and easier 

Soho logo
Our AI match engine will match you with over 150,000+ properties and you can swipe away or shortlist easily. Making your home buying journey faster and easier.