Fruit flies are common pests that typically make a comfortable home in your kitchen. In most cases, fruit flies are drawn to your home by the smell of fresh fruit or vegetables. Due to the tiny size of these flies, they can easily enter your home, even through window screens. Once inside, these annoying pests can quickly multiply and infest your home. Fortunately, there are a number of easy methods to prevent infestations and eliminate populations that have already established themselves.

Keep it Clean

Cleaning appetizing residue from your kitchen surfaces is a good way to prevent a fruit fly population boom in your home. After finishing a meal, don’t let the dishes pile up. Clean them immediately, and place them in the dishwasher. Rotting fruits and vegetables should be bagged and placed into an outdoor trash can immediately. If you spill sugar-rich liquids, such as fruit juice, make an extra effort to clean up the mess before the flies find it.

Set Traps

With some common household items, you can easily make your own traps to catch fruit flies. Pour a small amount of apple cider vinegar into a plastic cup. Next, place a lid on top of the cup; if you don’t have a lid, you can make your own with a plastic bag and a rubber band. Finally, cut some small holes into your lid. The vinegar will attract the flies to your trap, drawing them through the holes. After getting inside the cup, most of the flies will be unable to exit and will eventually perish. 

Get Professional Help

Even with an array of homemade traps, you may have a difficult time eliminating all of the fruit flies in your home. For tough infestations, call on a pest control professional to help you solve your fruit fly problem.