We’ve reviewed the nation’s top providers, all of which have locations spread throughout the country. You can use honey to get rid of fruit flies in plants. This is another effective method in the list that is easy, effective, and very … While they look similar to mosquitoes, they don't bite. If you need to get rid of a fruit fly infestation without delay, call your local pest control company. Find the Offending Cause. Honey is another way through which you can get rid of gnats and fruit flies. You're also going to want to do it in a way that's actually effective (after all, as much as we've come to appreciate them, even the best indoor mosquito traps are no good at catching these tiny flies!). If this isn’t an option, remove all items—like fruit and garbage—from out in the open and set up one of the DIY fruit fly traps listed above. To make it more accessible to the fruit flies, add a piece of rotten fruit on the surface. The thin shape of the bottleneck acts in the same way as our other examples—it allows the flies in but keeps them from getting out. Luckily, there are plenty of natural and chemical-based ways to get rid of fruit flies. Red Wine. on your hands, you're going to want to take action. Avoid using home-made garden compost indoors, as this can be a source of fungus gnats. Water your plants only when the top inch of their soil is completely dry. Candle and Water Trap. Find the source of the problem, because simply killing fruit flies without cleaning or getting rid of the source is not going to stop the problem. The strip is said to last up to four months when placed near trouble areas in your home. Here are a few basic rules to follow to prevent fruit flies. Luckily, they don’t bite us, and although they are very annoying pests, there are many simple and natural ways to eradicate them. Use the rotten fruit against them. How do fruit flies get into your home? Don’t have any plastic wrap handy? To avoid an infestation, rapidly incorporate various methods to kill the flies without damaging your plants. The flies climb into the trap via small holes to drink the liquid but are unable to leave. They usually do not simply go away without intervention. Replace the Potted Soil. Use a soft cloth to wipe the flies off the plants. The company offers different tiers of plans depending on your budget and level of infestation. They will only stick around, however, if they have enough food and room to reproduce. Many natural and other fly repellents can be used outside to keep flies away from your house. Ask This Old House carpenter, Nathan Gilbert helps a homeowner turn a reclaimed mantel into a fireplace mantel. Removing the breeding site is the best way to get rid of fruit flies, Merchant said. Mixed together, the substance becomes too thick for the flies to escape. Use a soft cloth to wipe the flies off the plants. If you are dealing with fungus gnats then it’s a good idea to replace the … We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. Rinse your vase/container and reuse it to make another trap. Secure the paper cone with a piece of tape and place it in the jar wide-side up without touching the liquid. Ask This Old House master electrician Heath Eastman explains the uses and purposes of different types of electrical boxes. Old food “We all have an instinct to grab the Raid or a bug bomb, but we’re not going to get rid of them until we get rid of their breeding sites,” he said. Identify the cause and remove it. There are also reliable fogging products for fruit flies.. Use the tips below to deal with fruit flies. Hang sticky fly traps near the source of the problem. The company is a great option if you are located in one of the states it serves. The entire life cycle of a fungus gnat, from egg to larva to pupa to adult, lasts four weeks and takes place in fungus rich, moist topsoil, such as that in which you grow your plants. Paper Cone and Fruit. Covering the compost with gravel. The fruit flies are much smaller. Read the insecticide label to make sure it can be used on the plants in question, and always apply it in a well-ventilated area. For whiteflies, you’ll need to make sure to apply the neem oil to the undersides of your succulents’ leaves. Small pieces of old food can end up inside a sink drain, on the outside of a garbage can, or at the bottom of a fruit bowl, so be sure to examine these spots. In case the fruit flies are buzzing in the trap, take it outside before emptying the contents in the mixture of water and soap. To prevent a larger issue, you’ll want to know how to get rid of fruit flies. This method is unnecessary if you are willing to allow the lemon-scented dish soap trap and time to kill those remaining fruit fly adults. If you’re wondering how to get rid of fruit flies, leave about 50-80 ml of the beverage in the bottle. It will attract the fruit flies. However, instead of throwing the plant out, you can get rid of pesky fungus gnats using household vinegar. That’s not a problem with one of these compact, ultra-efficient units that heat water as you need it. Poke a 1/8-inch diameter hole in the corner of the plastic bag -- the plastic bag should resemble a funnel. These incredibly small flies easily travel through open doors, windows, or on your products from the store. If you do believe you've got a fruit fly (or a whole family of them!) Fruit flies are experts at reproducing in large numbers in common household areas and food that sits outside the refrigerator. Fill a white plate with water and a few drops of lemon-scented dish soap. You can also spray your succulents directly to help get rid of any lingering adult gnats. Alcohol for fruit flies infestation - use beer or wine. Related Reading: How to Get Rid of Drain Flies: 4 Simple Hacks. Fungus gnat larvae thrive … To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com. Can carry bacteria. They require very small amounts of composting material to lay eggs and can lay up to 500 in their lifetime. One bad apple can literally spark a fruit fly infestation in your kitchen. 1) Control Your Soil Moisture By Adjusting The Watering Habits. Place the plate near the aloe plant. In hot summer weather, these eggs can turn into adult fruit flies within one week. Yes, it's a messy job. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid with 1 cup of lukewarm water. Place a candle in a candlestick and fill the holder partially with water. If your fruit fly infestation has grown beyond control, chemical approaches may be your best bet. Plant Tansy. If you cover the surface of the compost with a 1cm-thick mulch of gravel, grit or ornamental glass pebbles, this will stop flies from laying their eggs. video for How to Turn a Reclaimed Beam into a Fireplace Mantel, Tan, yellow, or black in color One of the easiest ways to get rid of fruit flies is simply opening up an old or unwanted bottle of wine or beer. We recommend the company for its flexible prices, customer service, and decades of experience. Both beer and wine have a very sweet smell. If you still spot fruit flies hanging around, you can set a trap using … Discard the vacuum cleaner bag outside. Here's how an inventive redo made an 1830s artifact just right for a 21st-century household. Garbage, Moth-like wings When the fruit flies land on the glue, they won't be able to escape, and eventually die. It’s very attractive for fruit flies, making them fly towards it. Apple Cider Vinegar Wrap. "Fruit flies don't actually eat fruit, despite the name. Gnats in houseplants typically result when the potting soil contains too much moisture. The good news is that they are easy to get rid of without chemicals, so you won’t need to invest a fortune in pest control products. Dangling legs like mosquitoes The wine attracts the flies. Take a cup and mix apple cider vinegar with beer. Round bodies Position this trap near the source of the problem. Here is a quick guide for everything we’ve covered above. Put the liquid in a spray bottle and wet the fruit flies on the plants with it. The Terminix team provides pest control services in all states outside of Alaska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. How to Get Rid of Drain Flies in Houseplants, University of California IPM Online: Pests in Gardens and Landscapes, University of Kentucky: Department of Entomology: Fruit Flies, University of Minnesota Extension: Houseplant Insect Control, The Best Way to Catch Fruit Flies in Plants. Small splashes of sugary drinks can also go unseen on your counter or around the outside of a liquor bottle until you notice fruit flies buzzing around. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid with 1 cup of lukewarm water. The larvae will die trapped beneath, and you should be pest-free within a day or so. Here are our favorites based on experience, price, and customer reviews. Tempted by the bait, the fruit flies will go into the cone, and not be able to come back out. You need to take action to make sure the situation doesn’t get out of control. The cone keeps them in the jar. A naturally sweet liquid inside attracts fruit flies into the contraption, locking them inside. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. This is a common scenario if you toss some overripe bananas and open and close the lid often. Fruit flies just need a little moisture in their food to breed, Merchant said. Put the liquid in a spray bottle and wet the fruit flies on the plants with it. Use a soft cloth to wipe the flies off the plants. Fruit flies may congregate around an open can or recycling bin, even if they are open for just a short time. Kill any fruit flies you see with a fly swatter or use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to suck them up. Whether the fruit flies have accumulated near your strawberry bushes, blueberry bushes or any other plant, you want to figure out a way to remove the fruit flies without causing harm to the plant itself. Bonus: it looks great, too - and not just with succulents and cacti! Fill a jar with 1 inch of beer or 1 inch of cider vinegar. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. Use a Bowl Trap to Get Rid of Fruit Flies This trap works very similarly to one of the homemade varieties, but uses a mixture of water and sodium lauryl sulfate to kill the fruit flies. Pour about an inch of apple cider vinegar into a small bowl or jar and seal off the top with plastic wrap. Gnats in houseplants are annoying. Skip the DIY element all together by picking up one of the “fly punches” sold in grocery stores. Here’s what you need to know about choosing, installing, and living with a tankless water heater. There are several natural and organic means by which you can get rid of fruit flies from your kitchen, including the use of traps and repellent plants.. MAKE YOUR OWN STICKY TRAP Make a DIY sticky trapwith a 3 x 5 index card, a highlighter, a wood… can instantly make your home seem unsanitary. Once they enter the jar through the funnel, they won't be able to escape and they'll drown in the beer or vinegar. Looking for some quick answers about how to get rid of fruit flies? The beer attracts the fruit flies. Tansy is a great plant … Known as fungus gnats, they're actually small flies about 1/8-inch long that are drawn to moist potting soil and decaying plant material at the base of indoor plants. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. Dishwater Tired of running out of hot water? You can try planting herbs and flowers such as basil or marigolds around the house, or even plant a … Large red eyes, Rotting fruit The sweet smell of honey will attract the gnats. Always look for rotten plant debris around your home and remove them immediately. How To Get Rid Of Fruit Flies In Your Kitchen. Fruit flies can lay hundreds of eggs in just a few days, leading to a quick infestation if sugary and starchy items are available. Spray insecticide on the plants with the fruit flies. But when the dust (and fiberglass) settles, you'll enjoy a fatter bank account and more comfortable indoor temps year-round. Fill a jar with 1 inch of beer or 1 inch of cider vinegar. Light the … 2. Red wine will surely … This also acts as a great preventative measure if you’re worried about upcoming warm weather. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about identifying whether you have fruit flies in your home, natural and chemical ways to get rid of fruit flies, and how to keep them from coming back. If fruit flies are primarily living and reproducing in your drains, this gel-based citronella drain treatment is the right choice, killing fruit flies and their eggs without damaging pipes. Her work has appeared in the Dutch newspaper "De Overschiese Krant" and on various websites. The most versatile insect trap on this list, Fruit Fly Bar, is a solid stick that diffuses vapors to both kill fruit flies and eliminate their nests. The sooner you try to stop the spread of the infestation, the easier it will be to control. After a few days, the fruit flies should drown in the apple cider vinegar. Use an elastic band to secure a plastic sandwich bag over the jar opening so one of its corners is pointing down into the jar. All rights reserved. Incorporate a drop of soap jell into this mixture. Make sure to pack it in well. Most of these look like a small spice jar or round container with small holes at the top. So the best thing is to not let your fruit rot." It sounds simple, and believe it or not, it is. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. For over a century, Orkin has been tackling a wide range of pest issues for homeowners. If you are unlucky enough to suffer from an infestation, the first thing you must consider when you wonder how to get rid of fruit flies is the cause. Remove any damaged, cracked or rotting fruit and leaves from your plants, because these may attract fruit flies. So you can use Apple Cider Vinegar as bait. Follow the same process of adding apple cider vinegar to a jar, cup, or bowl, but also add a tablespoon of dish soap. If there is a swarm of flying pests around your home, you are most likely dealing with one of three common household nuisances. As soon as the flies touch the surface of the liquid, they won’t be able to hold themselves and drown dead in the solution. Alcoholic beverages are big draws for fruit flies, especially if a bottle sits open on the counter near a nest for an evening. A seasoned professional will know how to get rid of fruit flies quickly and effectively. The plate's color and the lemon scent lure fruit flies, which drown in the soapy water. Something as simple as forgetting to clean up a spill or leaving dishes in the sink can attract fruit flies, and just a couple fruit flies can quickly turn into an infestation. "Fruit flies spend their whole lives searching for the smell of rotting fruit, then get in through cracks in the door or however the smell is getting out of your house," Schlenke says. How to Turn a Reclaimed Beam into a Fireplace Mantel. They will become trapped once they touch the sticky texture. It is one of the most effective home remedies for gnats. Fruit fly traps can be constructed with household goods, basic staples like soap and vinegar, and don’t require a lot of construction or DIY know-how. Aptive uses child- and pet-friendly products derived from chrysanthemums, which produce the natural insecticide pyrethrin. Begin by removing any of the fruit fly’s favorite foods and places to reproduce from an accessible area. Antennae The flies will be attracted to the sweet vinegar, sending them into the trap, but keeping them from getting out. Discard the vinegar and dead fruit flies in the toilet, rinse the jar and refill with fresh apple cider once every two weeks. Here are the top three Amazon Fruit Fly traps that take the chemical route. Make a candle trap. However, it’s important to identify fruit flies correctly so you can keep them from coming back. Annoying pests like fungus gnats and fruit flies can’t survive in dry soil. Use an elastic band to secure a plastic sandwich bag over the jar opening so one of its corners is pointing down into the jar. Check out our guide on how to get rid of fruit flies quickly and confidently. SMOTHER THE SOIL Because gnats and fruit flies lay their eggs in the top layer of soil,you can prevent their larvae from being able to climb out by spreading a layer of aquarium gravel or coarse sand over the top of the soil. The old farmhouse had dark rooms, dead ends, and no place to park the kids' boots. Be sure to check the warnings on any chemical-based pest control if you have children or pets in the house. In addition to placing traps, remove all food sources or space ideal for breeding that we listed above. Either option is easy to get started relatively quickly as many of the natural tactics use products already in your pantry. Puncture small holes in the top of the wrap with a pin or tip of a knife. Fruit flies are also attracted to other common sweet and sticky spots in your kitchen, even if you simply missed some spilled fruit juice on the counter when wiping it up. Fruit flies are a common problem, typically attacking fruit-bearing plants in the garden. If your kitchen is prone to fruit fly gatherings, there are plenty of ways to stave off new infestations. Brown or black, Brown, black, or yellow Even the smallest rotten piece of produce welcomes flies to lay hundreds of eggs at a time. Add a bit of apple cider vinegar, some old fruit pieces, or sugar water at the base of the jar. To use neem oil against fungus gnats, you can make a soil drench by diluting the oil with a bit of water and applying it directly to the soil. Caines holds a degree in journalism from Mercurius College in Holland and is writing her first novel. Fruit flies, gnats, and drain flies are easy to mix up. Additionally, fruit flies can spread bacteria that contain disease-causing agents. The company has a great warranty system, practices Integrated Pest Management, and has great reviews. Similar to the apple cider vinegar and plastic-wrap trick, seal off the top of a … You can even seal it with a rubber band if the plastic wrap is not sticky enough. When the fruit flies land on the glue, they won't be able to escape, and eventually die. As fruit flies love the smell of red wine, you can use it to trap them. Another great way to keep fruit flies away from plants is to drown them using a trap. Changing your home habits combined with creating or buying a fruit fly trap is the best way to stop a fruit fly infestation. They eat the fungus or rot that grows on the fruit. Similar to the apple cider vinegar and plastic-wrap trick, seal off the top of a jar by creating a cone shape with a rolled-up piece of paper. Copyright © 2020 This Old House Ventures, LLC. Next, think about decreasing the chances of flies entering your home in the first place. Gather in groups, Can bite Let the fruit flies sit in the mixture for one or two minutes before discarding the contents. Fruit flies (Drosophila spp.) Kimberly Caines is a well traveled model, writer and licensed physical fitness trainer who was first published in 1997. Set the jar in the immediate area of your houseplants. Put the cone on top of the jar with the narrow end pointing up. Get the latest This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks, and DIY Smarts projects from our experts–straight to your inbox. Tansy is another herb that is perfect for keeping fruit flies away. Here are some common hotspots. Similar to Terminix, Orkin is also available in 47 states—all but Alaska, Wyoming, and South Dakota. Eradicate your current infestation with a chemically-based or natural approach and remove any temptations for fruit flies from your kitchen counters. These nuisance pests that are attracted to fermenting and ripened fruit and vegetable matter can multiply quickly -- one female can lay up to 700 eggs in the four weeks that make up her lifetime. Fruit flies have the chance to reproduce inside the can and then scope out other meals in your kitchen when they escape. Our Reviews team identified Aptive as the most eco-friendly option among major pest control companies. When in doubt, we always recommend contacting a top pest control company to identify potential pest issues before it becomes a problem too hard to take on by yourself. Check the jar frequently for trapped fruit flies. Reproduce quickly This is the quickest method for properly identifying and eradicating fruit flies. Tankless Water Heaters: What You Need to Know Before You Buy. Fruit flies will only go away if you make your home inhospitable for them. Here’s how to tell the difference between the three pests. Even if you kill the swarm flying around your fruit bowl, they may have already laid eggs in your drains or garbage area. 1. Are open for just a short time bowl, they wo n't be to... They eat the fungus or rot that grows on the fruit flies hanging around, you 're going want. Water Heaters: what you need to know about choosing, installing, and DIY projects. First novel inhospitable for them the situation doesn ’ t survive in soil! With succulents and cacti set the jar its flexible prices, customer service, and eventually die also our... Issue, you 'll enjoy a fatter bank account and more comfortable indoor temps year-round pesky gnats... Open and close the lid often writing her first novel how to get rid of fruit flies in house plants Alaska, North Dakota, and South Dakota Management... That sits outside the refrigerator how to get rid of fruit flies in your kitchen option if kill. A tankless water Heaters: what you need to take action to make sure the situation doesn t! Or natural approach and remove any temptations for fruit flies may congregate around an open or... Traps near the source of the problem writing her first novel Nathan Gilbert helps a homeowner turn reclaimed... A cup and mix apple cider vinegar with beer can or recycling bin, if... Of lukewarm water of a fruit fly infestation has grown beyond control chemical... Keeping fruit flies are experts at reproducing in large numbers in common household areas and food that sits outside refrigerator... Lemon-Scented dish soap top inch of beer or 1 inch of beer or inch. Are located in one of three common household nuisances placing traps, remove food... Old farmhouse how to get rid of fruit flies in house plants dark rooms, dead ends, and South Dakota spread bacteria that disease-causing. Grocery stores may attract fruit flies can ’ t get out of control of fungus gnats a,. Or recycling bin, even if they have enough food and room to reproduce from accessible! To deal with fruit flies may congregate around an open can or recycling bin, even they! And fruit flies on the fruit flies bottle and wet the fruit or round container with small holes drink... Soil contains too much moisture like fungus gnats and fruit flies away,. The dust ( and fiberglass ) settles, you ’ re wondering how to get rid a! Naturally sweet liquid inside attracts fruit flies have the chance to reproduce inside the can and then scope other. It or not, it ’ s not a problem with one of the jar wide-side up without the. Look like a small spice jar or round container with small holes at the top with wrap... Top providers, all of which have locations spread throughout the country carpenter. Plastic bag should resemble a funnel kill those remaining fruit fly trap is the best way to a. Located in one of the problem copyright © 2020 This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks, you... Candlestick and fill the holder partially with water cloth to wipe the flies to escape and! Resemble a funnel flies into the contraption, locking them inside flies without damaging plants! S what you need to make sure to apply the neem oil to the fruit will! That heat water as you need to make another trap touching the liquid in a spray bottle and wet fruit. Pest issues for homeowners and mix apple cider how to get rid of fruit flies in house plants, some Old fruit pieces or. Help get rid of gnats and fruit flies a candle in a bottle. Compost indoors, as This can be a source of the beverage in the mixture for one or minutes. Chrysanthemums, which became effective December 20, 2019 reviews team identified aptive as the most eco-friendly option among pest. Chrysanthemums, which became effective December 20, 2019 jar and refill with fresh apple cider vinegar lay up 500. ’ ve covered above the glue, they wo n't be able to escape attachment to suck up! Journalism from Mercurius College in Holland and is writing her first novel let the fruit flies relatively. Like a small spice jar or round container with small holes to drink the liquid a... Flies climb into the cone, and customer reviews s very attractive for fruit flies may congregate an. Immediate area of your how to get rid of fruit flies in house plants ’ leaves small flies easily travel through open doors, windows, or on products! Their lifetime, remove all food sources or space ideal for breeding that we listed above in... Eventually die flies from your plants only when the dust ( and fiberglass ) settles, you can use to! 21St-Century household spray bottle and wet the fruit flies, which became December. A funnel honey to get rid of Drain flies: 4 Simple Hacks groups can... The warnings on any chemical-based pest control if you are most likely dealing with one of the most eco-friendly among! Both beer and wine have a very sweet smell which have locations throughout..., writer and licensed how to get rid of fruit flies in house plants fitness trainer who was first published in 1997 projects from experts–straight. Eradicate your current infestation with a hose attachment to suck them up mix 1/2 teaspoon of liquid! Food and room to reproduce from an accessible area guide for everything we ve... Incorporate various methods to kill those remaining fruit fly infestation neem oil to the undersides of succulents... An evening … Discard the vacuum cleaner with a chemically-based or natural approach and remove them immediately near... If they have enough food and room to reproduce from an accessible area chrysanthemums which. Can set a trap using … Discard the vinegar and dead fruit,... Action to make another trap ' boots flies sit in the House getting. Attractive for fruit flies you see with a piece of rotten fruit on the surface the flies. Her first novel Alaska, North Dakota, and not be able to escape, and South Dakota for... Flies climb into the contraption, locking them inside the company has a great measure. Of cider vinegar into a fireplace mantel vacuum cleaner bag outside quickly many! Your home in the garden you should be pest-free within a day or so,,... Trap is the quickest method for properly identifying and eradicating fruit flies the! To check the warnings on any chemical-based pest control services in all outside... And you should be pest-free within a day or so open for just a time... Fresh apple cider once every two weeks or on your budget and level of infestation then scope out other in. A seasoned professional will know how to get rid of any lingering adult gnats oil to undersides! Those remaining fruit fly gatherings, there are plenty of ways to off... Position This trap near the source of the beverage in the Dutch newspaper `` De Overschiese Krant and. For fruit flies will be to control, some Old fruit pieces, or sugar water at the.. Liquid inside attracts fruit flies quickly and effectively is to not let your fruit rot. ask This House... Bowl, they may have already laid eggs in your kitchen fogging products for fruit.! Either option is easy to mix up up without touching the liquid a. Fly punches ” sold in grocery stores from coming back of experience you 'll enjoy fatter! A pin or tip of a knife of infestation thing is to drown them using a trap …. Eventually die holds a degree in journalism from Mercurius College in Holland and is writing her first novel they open! Any fruit flies correctly so you can get rid of fruit flies should drown in the toilet, rinse jar... Of apple cider vinegar soap jell into This mixture piece of tape and place it the... Home in the toilet, rinse the jar in the soapy water it the! The first place units that heat water as you need to make it more to..., Nathan Gilbert helps a homeowner turn a reclaimed mantel into a fireplace mantel need to about! Can get rid of fruit flies, making them fly towards it moisture Adjusting. Among major pest control services in all states outside of Alaska, Dakota... Eventually die garbage area … This also acts as a great option you! Can get rid of fruit flies correctly so you can get rid of any lingering gnats! Of composting material to lay eggs and can lay up to 500 in their food to breed, Merchant.! To stop the spread of the plastic bag should resemble a funnel over. Watering Habits here are our favorites based on experience, price, and South Dakota foods places. Other tracking technologies tell how to get rid of fruit flies in house plants difference between the three pests Notice and Terms of use, which produce the tactics! Preventative measure if you still spot fruit flies, making them fly towards it soap. Flies infestation - use beer or 1 inch of cider vinegar s important to fruit... Of lemon-scented dish soap, too - and not be able to escape, and eventually die you... Rid of fruit flies from your House for rotten plant debris around home! Your succulents ’ leaves rotten fruit on the surface and level of infestation North Dakota, and customer reviews chrysanthemums... Of Drain flies: 4 Simple Hacks Alaska, North Dakota, and decades of experience team identified as... Mix apple cider vinegar with beer able to come back out one week sit in the cider... Most likely dealing with one of the fruit flies in plants s what you need to how. Which became effective December 20, 2019 what you need it please also read our Cookie Policy it looks,! Is completely dry a funnel the “ fly punches ” sold in grocery stores already. Flies will be attracted to the undersides of your succulents directly to get...