FAQs
Pour apple cider vinegar (ACV) into a small bowl, then mix in a few drops of dish soap. Apple cider vinegar works better than white vinegar for fruit flies because it smells like fermenting fruit. Red wine vinegar will also work, but it tends to be more expensive than ACV.
What is the combination to get rid of fruit flies? ›
Pour apple cider vinegar (ACV) into a small bowl, then mix in a few drops of dish soap. Apple cider vinegar works better than white vinegar for fruit flies because it smells like fermenting fruit. Red wine vinegar will also work, but it tends to be more expensive than ACV.
What are 2 ways to control the infestation by fruit flies? ›
To get rid of fruit flies in your house, start by eliminating their food sources by keeping fruits and vegetables stored properly and cleaning up spills. Set up traps using apple cider vinegar or dish soap and water to attract and catch them. Regularly empty and clean your trash cans to prevent breeding grounds.
What kills the most fruit flies? ›
To create a DIY fruit fly trap, mix a quarter cup of either apple cider vinegar or white vinegar with a few drops of dish soap. The idea is that the irresistible vinegar attracts the fruit flies, while the soap breaks the vinegar's surface tension and drowns them.
What do fruit flies hate the most? ›
Fruit flies can't stand the smell of basil, peppermint, eucalyptus, lemongrass, lavender and clove. If you've had a fruit fly problem in the past, try placing these fragrant herbs in muslin sacks or tea bags and hanging them around the house. You could also buy them in essential oil form and use them in a diffuser.
Why is my apple cider vinegar fruit fly trap not working? ›
Why isn't my apple cider fruit fly trap working? If you can tell that the flies are attracted to the trap but aren't getting stuck inside, try adjusting the size of the cone. If the tip is too small they may not go all the way down inside. If the tip is too large, they can more easily escape.
How do you get rid of fruit flies once and for all? ›
Here are seven things you can do to help get rid of these pests.
- Find the source. The first thing you need do is figure out where the flies are coming from. ...
- Clean common areas. ...
- Use the rotten fruit against them. ...
- Make a swimming pool trap. ...
- Mix a vinegar solution. ...
- Try a store-bought trap. ...
- Hire an exterminator.
How does Dawn soap get rid of fruit flies? ›
Fill a cup with apple cider vinegar or wine 🍷. Something sweet. You can also use a microwave-safe bowl and put it in, then microwave to really add to the aroma! 👃 Add a few drops of dish soap to the mix, Dish soap reduces surface tension so flies will land and sink!
What smell do fruit flies hate? ›
What Smell Do Fruit Flies Hate? Fruit flies dislike the smell of herbs, such as lavender, basil, mint, and rosemary. Hang or grind up these natural strong scents to help repel fruit flies and keep your kitchen smelling clean.
Why are fruit flies so hard to get rid of? ›
Fruit flies are hard to eliminate. They lay so many eggs, and their life cycle is so swift that new flies hatch before you can track down the source. You'll need to take multiple steps to get rid of them, and the project might take several weeks.
If an area not normally associated with food storage or food consumption has a fruit fly problem, do a thorough cleaning of the room. Look for food that may have been dropped or spilled. Carpets may harbor some moisture from spilled wine, beer or soda. All of these items are major fruit fly attractants.
What is the best homemade fruit fly trap? ›
Place a few drops of apple cider vinegar or an old piece of apple or banana in the bottom of a jar. Then roll up a piece of notebook paper into a funnel, and fit it in the jar's opening. Why it works: Fruit flies will enter the funnel to get to the fruit or vinegar and won't be able to fly back out.
What is the best fruit fly trap? ›
Combining two tablespoons of dish soap, four tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and six tablespoons of water involves nothing more than a quick stir. After that, we're adding a piece of plastic wrap and securing it with a rubber band. Last step is to poke the wrap a few times with a toothpick.
What causes a lot of fruit flies in the house? ›
Fruit flies are mainly attracted to extra ripe, fermenting fruits and vegetables. However, they are also drawn to things such as drains, garbage disposals, empty bottles and cans, trash bags, cleaning rags and mops. Essentially, they are drawn to food waste and moist environments.