Fruit Fly Infestation

Fruit flies are small winged insects, characterized by presence of bright and abnormally large red eyes. Identified by the scientific name Drosophila melanogaster, there are several other species of the same genus. These smallest types of household flies do not bite humans, but usually invade fruits in the garden and inside house, in peak harvest seasons (late summer and fall). In short, fruit fly infestation in home and garden is very common, and unknowingly we invite them by keeping rotten fruits.

How to get Rid of Fruit Fly Infestation?

Usually present around overripe bananas and sweet fruits, and attractive to vinegar, these types of flying insects are also known as banana flies or vinegar flies. You might have already come across fruit fly infestation in bathroom and kitchen. Other areas of fruit fly infestation are grocery stores, garbage bins, decaying vegetation, wineries, food processing plants and dining halls, where there is excess moisture. The following are effective ways for getting rid of fruit flies, which you can follow easily.

Sanitation and Cleaning
Keeping the house and its vicinity clean is the first step for getting rid of fruit flies naturally. Always keep the trash bin and garbage bin tightly closed with lids. Wipe food spills from the kitchen counter and cutting boards. In addition, you should not store moist manure and compost in surrounding of the house. At the first sight of fruit fly infestation, vacuum it immediately.

Remove Food Sources
A major factor responsible for infestation of fruit flies in house is presence of food sources, which may be decaying vegetation, ripe fruits or leftover foods. Before you proceed with any technique for pest control, remember to throw rotten fruit or any type of organic matter that may serve as foods for the incoming fruit flies.

Close Entry Points
An effective fruit fly infestation remedy is to close the possible entry sites for these insects in late summer and fall, when fruits in your garden become ripe. Replace torn window screen (if any) and check for any cracks and crevices in the walls. If required, apply caulking agents to fill holes for preventing entry of fruit flies.

Proper Food Storage
Do not place overripe fruit (except for hard skinned fruit) in open spaces, or in the dining table. The point is to keep the fruit bowl covered at all times. Or you can also store fresh fruits in refrigerator to avoid fruit fly infestation in the fruits. The same steps should be followed for juices and other beverages that have a fruity taste.

Simple Fruit Fly Trap
An easy way to get rid of fruit flies is to make fruit fly trap by putting a rotting fruit in a large jar. Place a paper cone or plastic funnel in the mouth of the jar, in such a way that the wider side faces upwards. Put this jar in an area having heavy fruit fly infestation. As soon as these flies sense fruit scent, they fly towards the fruit, and will not be able to come out.

Use Soapy Solution
Using soapy water is one of the home remedies for fruit flies. In a bowl, mix equal amounts of dish soap and water. Agitate mixture to make lather, and add a few drops of fruit juice to attract fruit flies. Fill other bowls with the same concoction, and place them in kitchen or corners where you expect fruit fly infestation in house. The flies landing on the soapy solution will die within a few minutes.

Make Vinegar Trap
Wine and balsamic vinegar are useful to lure fruit flies. All you need for getting rid of fruit flies with vinegar is add some old, skinned banana slices in a bowl. Following this, pour some vinegar or white wine. Cover bowl with a plastic wrap and secure it tightly with a rubber band. Finally, poke some holes (large enough for passing fruit flies) and place this fruit fly trap in the kitchen or bathroom.

Unlike houseflies and other common household pests, there is no clear data that states spreading of bacteria and pathogens via fruit fly infestation. Nevertheless, the dwelling places of drosophila include unsanitary garbage bins and waste disposal sites. It is quite likely that these light yellowed insects contaminate fruits and foods, where they land on after visiting drains and trash bins. So, it is imperative to follow effective measures to exterminate fruit flies as early as possible.