3 Easy DIY Solutions for Getting Rid of Fruit Flies Naturally

3 Easy DIY Solutions for Getting Rid of Fruit Flies Naturally

By Jenny Krane | BHG.Com

Troy Warren for CNT #foodie

Though they won’t harm you, these tiny insects do threaten the hygiene of your kitchen and the food in it. Here’s how to keep them under control with just a few simple ingredients you probably already have around.

No matter how hard you try to avoid it, if you have fruit in your house, pesky fruit flies seem to find it. These insects are so small, you might not even know they’re there until you spot them flitting around your bananas. Although they are short-lived, they tend to reproduce quickly, and while they don’t really cause any harm, they sure are annoying. But, you don’t need to call the exterminator to deal with these pests. DIY traps and sprays are a quick and easy way to get rid of fruit flies naturally, and you can make them with supplies you already have in your kitchen (just make sure you actually have fruit flies, and not another pest like fungus gnats, which can infest houseplants). Give one of these remedies a try and you’ll soon have a fly-free zone.

Apple Cider Vinegar Fly Trap 

Apple cider vinegar is the fruit fly trap hack you hear about most often (because it works!). For this DIY trap, begin by adding 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar ($3, Target) to a glass jar. Add 2-3 drops of dish soap to the apple cider vinegar in the jar and swirl to mix. Cover the mouth of the jar with plastic wrap and secure with a rubber band. Use a pencil to poke a hole in the plastic wrap. The hole releases the odor of the mixture and gives the fruit flies an opening to fly into the jar, but the dish soap will trap the fruit flies as soon as they touch the liquid. Place your homemade fruit fly trap near your fruit bowl or trash can. Dump out the mixture and refill every week or as needed until no more flies appear.

Fruit Fly Spray 

A simple spray bottle ($3, Target) and a few easy ingredients are all you need for this fruit fly project. To start, add 2 ounces of hot water to a small spray bottle. While the water is still hot, add 10 drops of lemongrass essential oil ($8, CVS) to the spray bottle. Spray this water and lemongrass oil mixture on fruit flies as you see them (look around windowsills or on kitchen counters). Don’t spray this mixture directly onto fruit or other food, because the essential oil may not be safe for consumption.

Red Wine Fruit Fly Trap 

Have a bottle of red wine in the kitchen that’s been open too long? Instead of throwing it out, use it to get rid of fruit flies quickly. For this project, add 1 cup of red wine to a shallow bowl. Place plastic wrap over the opening of the bowl and secure with a rubber band. Use a pencil to poke a small hole in the plastic wrap. Place the trap near the problem area to attract and trap fruit flies.

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By Troy Warren

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