Finding fruit flies in the kitchen can be annoying, but there are a number of ways to prevent the problem in the first place. Making sure the kitchen is clean, especially the garbage can and counters, can be helpful. It is equally important to wash and store fruit properly. If you find that your kitchen has already been contaminated with these insects, there are several DIY methods you can use to get rid of them.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Keep the Kitchen Clean
Step 1. Clean the sink and counters after cutting the fruit
If you peel, cut, or wash fruit, be sure to clean the countertop and sink when done. Wet a sponge or cloth with warm water and wring it out to remove excess. Squeeze a few drops of dish soap onto the sponge or cloth and rub it on the area to be cleaned until foam forms. Clean the sink or work surfaces and remove the solution with a damp cloth.
You can also use an all-purpose cleaner. Spray it on the surfaces and wipe them with a clean cloth
Step 2. Take out the trash regularly
Even if you have a bin with a lid, the fruits and vegetables you throw away can be a breeding ground for midges. There is no need to wait for the basket to fill up to take out the trash. If you have thrown food in the garbage bag, it is best to throw it out as soon as possible.
Step 3. Rinse the empty jars and bottles
Fruit flies are attracted to bottles and jars that contain sweet or fermented liquids. As a result, bottles of wine, beer, and fizzy drinks that haven't been rinsed properly can attract these insects. Make sure to wash all empty containers and bottles, then put them in the recycling bins.
Method 2 of 3: Protect the Fruit
Step 1. Wash the fruit as soon as you bring it home
The kitchen is often infested with midges found on bought fruit. Wash the fruit you buy as soon as you get home, especially if you plan to put it in a fruit bowl on the table, as is often the case with bananas.
Step 2. Store the fruit in a new container
After washing it, do not put it back in the original bag. Place it in a special basket (first make sure it's clean!) Or an airtight container so you can store it in the fridge.
Step 3. Cover the fruit bowl
Fruit bowls without lids can be a breeding ground for midges. To remedy this, use a clean cake lid. It allows you to see the contents of the container, but prevents the midges from coming into contact with the fruit and multiplying.
Method 3 of 3: Getting rid of the fruit flies
Step 1. Use unfiltered apple cider vinegar
There is no need to buy a new bottle if you have a half used bottle. Remove the cap, place a small piece of cling film over the opening and secure it with a rubber band around the neck of the bottle. Make a small hole in the cling film and place the bottle next to the area where you are experiencing the greatest presence of midges.
Step 2. Trap the fruit flies with dish soap and vinegar
Fill a small bowl with vinegar and add three drops of dish soap. Place it in the area where you saw the midges. The insects will be attracted to the vinegar, but the soap will nullify its surface tension, drowning any approaching midges.
Step 3. Hang up bug catching strips
These are odorless strips that you can find in almost any home improvement store or on the internet. Just hang them on the furniture that is near the areas where you have noticed the presence of midges. If the furniture doesn't have a handle, lean it against a wall or cup in the midges-infested area.
Step 4. Make a lemongrass spray
Mix 1 liter of water with 14 drops of lemongrass essential oil in an airtight container. Shake it well to mix the ingredients and then pour the solution into a glass spray bottle. Spray it on areas where you've seen fruit flies.
