How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies in Your Apartment: Experts Reveal Their Tips

Small yet persistent pests, fruit flies are commonly found in homes, particularly in kitchens and garbage disposals. They are attracted to ripe and fermenting fruits and vegetables, but they can also thrive in damp and moist environments like drains and garbage disposals.

In apartments where space is limited and the things that attract fruit flies are close, managing a fruit fly infestation requires a strategic and thorough approach. Whether you’re living in a house in Birmingham, apartment in Boise, or a home in Seattle, WA, this guide provides a step-by-step process to effectively eliminate fruit flies from your apartment.

Identifying and understanding fruit flies

Characteristics: Fruit flies are tiny insects, usually about an eighth of an inch in length, with red eyes and a brown or tan body. They are most active in warmer months.

Breeding: Fruit flies lay eggs near the surface of fermenting fruit, foods, or other moist, organic materials. Female fruit flies can lay about 500 eggs, making their population grow rapidly if not controlled.

What are fruit flies?

Scientifically known as Drosophila melanogaster, fruit flies are tiny insects belonging to the Drosophilidae family. They are distinguished by their red eyes and brown or yellowish bodies. Fruit flies are known for their rapid reproduction and affinity for ripe or fermenting organic matter.

How long do fruit flies live?

The lifespan of a fruit fly varies depending on environmental conditions, but typically ranges from 40 to 50 days. Their life cycle consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult fruit fly. The entire cycle from egg to adult can be completed in about a week under optimal conditions.

What causes sudden fruit flies?

Fruit flies are commonly found in apartments because it is so easy to create the ideal environment for them to thrive. They are especially attracted to overripe fruit, fresh fruits and vegetables, and unsealed food containers, which serve as easy sources of food. Additionally, spills, food residue, and debris in sink drains provide ample breeding grounds. Clogged drains or poorly maintained drains contribute to the issue, as the moisture and warmth in these areas are perfect for fruit flies. Garbage cans with decaying organic matter, along with the scent of fermenting produce, are also major attractants. By addressing these sources and conditions, you can significantly reduce the presence of fruit flies in your apartment.

Tips for preventing fruit flies from entering your home

• Store produce properly: Keep fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator instead of on counters.
• Dispose of overripe produce: Regularly check for and dispose of overripe or rotting produce.
• Seal garbage cans: Ensure that indoor and outdoor garbage cans are tightly sealed.
• Clean regularly: Keep kitchen surfaces, sinks and drains clean to prevent residue buildup.
• Use screens: Install screens on windows and doors to prevent flies from entering.

Is it possible to get rid of fruit flies in one day?

Eliminating all fruit fly eggs and all fruit flies fast in one day can be challenging, but it's possible with a thorough approach.

• Remove attractants: Dispose of all overripe produce and thoroughly clean kitchen surfaces.
• Use homemade traps: Create DIY traps using a mason jar and a mixture of apple cider vinegar, dish soap and water in a bowl, covered with plastic wrap and poke small holes in the top with a toothpick. You can also pour wine in a bowl; when they drink it they will get drunk and drown in the wine.
• Consider chemical sprays: Following safety instructions, use insecticides specifically designed for fruit flies.

Expert tips to get rid of fruit flies

ApartmentGuide reached out to expert cleaners to get their tips on how to get rid of fruit flies in an apartment. Read on to learn more and try some tips next time you see a few floating around. 

1. Use a banana peel as bait

“Place a banana peel in a jar and add a shallow amount of water, making sure the peel is still partially exposed. Fruit flies love the smell of an overly ripe banana peel, so they’ll be drawn right in. Cover the jar with plastic wrap, poke a few small holes in the top, and set it out where you notice the flies. Once inside, they’ll have a hard time getting back out.” – Chantel Woodworth of Brilliantly Clean, a home cleaning service based in Puyallup, Washington. 

2. Attract them with apple cider vinegar

“If you’re dealing with fruit flies, one effective tip is to create a simple trap using apple cider vinegar. Just pour a little into a small bowl or jar and cover it with plastic wrap, securing it with a rubber band. Poke a few tiny holes in the top. The fruit flies are attracted to the vinegar, and once they enter, they have a hard time finding their way out.” – the team at Superb Maids Denver, a cleaning company based in Denver, Colorado.

3. Use a mason jar 

“Take a Mason jar and punch a few tiny holes in the lid with a hammer and nail. Put a little apple vinegar in it and set it beside your fruit or window. Make sure the holes are tiny. This is a great hack because if you spill it, not much will escape because of the tiny holes. Within 72 hours no more fruit flies!” – Bud Shropshire of 7S Services, a cleaning company in North Carolina.

4. Add some dish soap to your mixture

"To keep your home rid of or free from fruit flies, we at Juanita’s House Cleaning recommend creating a simple trap with a bowl of apple cider vinegar and a few drops of dish soap. This mixture attracts the flies, and the soap breaks the surface tension, trapping them effectively. Additionally, make sure to remove any overripe fruit and rinse recycling bins regularly to eliminate breeding grounds. For a thorough home refresh, consider scheduling a deep clean with us at Juanita’s House Cleaning!" – Danny Partida of Juanita’s House Cleaning, a home cleaning service in Northridge, CA.

5. Use a paper funnel 

“Start by creating a simple yet effective trap by filling a shallow dish with 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar with a few drops of dish soap. Next, place a paper funnel in it to trap the fruit flies, or cover the dish with plastic wrap and poke holes in the top. The flies will be attracted to the vinegar and travel into the mixture where the soap will cause them to sink.” – Evan M. Howard of Peak Cleaners, a cleaning company in North Carolina and South Carolina. 

6. Trap with light

“Make a mixture of apple cider vinegar with a drop (or two) of your favorite plant-derived or earth friendly dish soap – the vinegar will attract them, and the soapy mixture will cause them to drown. It may sound a little harsh, but that's actually how it works. Take that vinegar and dish soap mixture, place an old candle on a tray or in a bowl, and pour the mixture onto the small tray or into the bowl so the mixture pools around it. Light the candle once it's dark and both the light and soapy vinegar mixture will attract the fireflies. The mixture will do the work to trap them.” – Christine Ruiz, owner of Checklist Maids, an eco-friendly house and office cleaning service in New York City. 

7. Use basil and bay leaves

“A very organic and ecologically sound way of ensuring that fruit flies do not become a nuisance is by placing fresh basil or bay leaves near your fruit bowls or entryways. These plants are said to have aromatic oils which act like a deterrent on flies. This easy method not only helps in maintaining the balance of nature but also introduces a subtle, herbal fragrance to your home.” – the team at Circular Blogs, a sustainability blog with tips for living an eco-friendly life.

8. Herbal repellent sprays

“Mix some drops of preferred essential oils like lavender, peppermint, or eucalyptus into water and spray it in areas where fruit flies are usually seen. These oils have a distinct smell that keeps away the presence of fruit flies and is harmless to the environment; a mild, non-poisonous, and healthy environmentally friendly substitute for chemical sprays.” –  the team at Circular Blogs.

9. Store fruit in the fridge

“My first step is always prevention! Storing as much fruit as possible in the fridge. Even bananas can be stored in the fridge once they are the level of ripeness you like. Plus they will last longer this way!” – Cheyenne Lynnae of Domestic Daydreams, a cleaning and lifestyle blog.

10. Don’t let dishes build up

“Not letting dirty dishes build up in the sink. I like to fill the sink with hot soapy water before cooking so I can soak and wash dishes immediately.” – Cheyenne Lynnae of Domestic Daydreams.

11. Clean your drains

“Fruit flies like to stay in moist and damp places like kitchen drains. Pour two cups of hot water down the drain to help with an initial flush. Follow this with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda, and let this sit for at least an hour. Pour another two cups of water down the drain to clear out the vinegar.” – Evan M. Howard of Peak Cleaners, a cleaning company in North Carolina and South Carolina.

12. Additional preventative measures

“Here are some effective tips from us at All City Cleaning Services LLC, recognized as Best of South Sound since 2016, to help you get rid of pesky fruit flies. Start by keeping counters, sink areas, and drains clean and dry, as fruit flies are attracted to moisture and food scraps. Dispose of any overripe fruit promptly, and consider storing fruit in the fridge to reduce attraction. Empty your trash regularly, especially if it contains food scraps, as flies can breed in trash cans. Additionally, place mesh covers over fruit bowls and avoid overwatering houseplants, as moist soil can attract flies. Finally, check that windows and doors are well-sealed to keep fruit flies from entering your home.” – Julia Hill-Silva of All City Cleaning Services LLC, a cleaning service in Thurston County in Washington.

13. DIY alcohol fruit fly spray

"A simple solution to combat fruit flies is to mix equal parts water and rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. When sprayed directly on the flies, this will quickly neutralize them without the use of harsh chemicals." – Joshua Cohen of STARS of Boston, a short-term apartment rental agency in Boston.

14. Repel with lemon and cloves

“A simple and effective solution to deter fruit flies is to cut a lemon in half, insert a few cloves into the flesh, (15-20 cloves) and place it in areas where flies gather. The combined scent of lemon and cloves naturally repels these pesky insects.  Place near and around the fruit area. Safe and natural!” – the team at My Cleaning Lady Cleaning Services, a cleaning service in Durham, North Carolina.  

15. Essential oil diffusers

“Essential oil diffuser can be a natural and effective way to deter fruit flies. By diffusing citrus-scented essential oils like lemon or sweet orange, it will create an aroma that repels these pesky insects. The strong citrus scent masks the odors that attract fruit flies, making your home less appealing to them naturally. Other essential oils that can repel flies are: tea tree oil, peppermint oil, cinnamon oil, cloves, lemongrass, eucalyptus and lavender essential oil.” – the team at My Cleaning Lady Cleaning Services.

When should I contact my landlord or hire pest control?

You should contact your landlord or call in the pest control pros to address a fruit fly infestation if the problem persists. If thorough cleaning of kitchen drains, removal of overripe fruits, rotting vegetables, and frequent trash disposal doesn’t reduce the fruit fly population, there may be a deeper issue such as a hidden food source, plumbing problem, or structural damage contributing to the infestation. Additionally, if the flies spread beyond the kitchen to other areas of the apartment, professional pest control may be needed to identify and treat hard-to-reach breeding grounds. Timely communication with your landlord is important, as they may be responsible for arranging pest control services or addressing building maintenance issues that could be contributing to the infestation.

What do fruit flies hate?

Fruit flies, like many insects, have aversions to certain scents and substances. Here are some things that fruit flies generally dislike:

• Basil: This herb has a strong scent that fruit flies find unpleasant. Keeping fresh basil plants in the kitchen or placing dried basil in areas prone to fruit flies can help deter them.
• Vinegar: Although apple cider vinegar attracts them when used as a trap, fruit flies dislike the scent of other types of vinegar, like white vinegar.
• Lemongrass oil: The strong citrus scent of lemongrass oil is repulsive to fruit flies. You can use lemongrass oil mixed with water as a natural spray to keep them away.
• Peppermint oil: Like lemongrass, peppermint oil has a potent scent that fruit flies don't like. A spray made from peppermint oil can act as a deterrent.
• Clove: Fruit flies are known to dislike the scent of cloves. You can place cloves in a small sachet or mix them in a spray to repel these pests.
• Camphor: Camphor has a strong odor that is effective in repelling fruit flies. It can be used in small quantities in areas where fruit flies are a problem.
• Cedarwood: The natural aroma of cedarwood is another scent disliked by fruit flies. Using cedarwood chips or oil can help keep them at bay.
• Eucalyptus oil: The strong and distinctive smell of eucalyptus oil is also effective in deterring fruit flies.

It's important to note that while these scents and substances can help repel and even kill fruit flies themselves, they are most effective when used in combination with good sanitation practices, such as keeping kitchen areas clean and free of rotting food, which is the primary attractant for fruit flies.

Are fruit flies harmful to humans?

Fruit flies themselves are not harmful to human health. However, they can be a nuisance and potentially carry bacteria from rotting food to other surfaces. While they don't bite and are not known to transmit diseases directly to humans, their presence can indicate unsanitary conditions or rotten food that could lead to other health issues.

Bye bye flies

Fruit flies can be more than a mere nuisance; they can potentially carry bacteria from place to place. A combination of cleanliness, preventive measures and targeted treatments is often the most effective way to deal with these pests. With a few drops of patience and persistence, you can keep your apartment fruit fly free with relative ease.

By incorporating these detailed steps and preventive strategies on how to get rid of fruit flies, you can tackle the fruit fly problem more effectively and maintain a clean, pest-free living space. Good luck!

The post How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies in Your Apartment: Experts Reveal Their Tips appeared first on Apartment Living Tips - Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com.

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