Have you heard that a fruit fly can lay up to 100 eggs a day?
Only having a few fruit flies enter your home can turn into a massive issue in no time. The problem will only get worse if you don’t figure out the factors that are helping these little flying bugs in house reproduce.
These tiny pests can be quite annoying, especially in the kitchen. Read on for our full fruit fly guide.
Understanding Little Flying Bugs in House
Fruit flies like to go anywhere that has ripe fruits or vegetables. They also like moist environments, which makes kitchens and bathrooms ideal places for them to thrive. To eliminate fruit flies, you need to understand their habits and take steps to make your home less inviting to them.
How to Prevent Fruit Flies in Kitchen Sink
Prevention is the first step in controlling fruit flies. Here are some tips to keep them from invading your home:
Keep Your Kitchen Clean
It’s always helpful to get into the habit of giving your counters a quick wipe every day to stay on top of crumbs and other tiny messes that could be a feast for bugs. You also have to take care of any spills right away, and don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink because fruit flies are attracted to leftover food.
Having a tidy kitchen makes your home much less appealing to fruit flies.
Store Fruits and Veggies the Right Way
You should try to keep as many fruits and veggies in your refrigerator as possible. If you have a fruit bowl, cover it with a mesh food cover to keep fruit flies away. The goal is to make it tricky for fruit flies to find food.
Take Out Your Garbage on a Regular Basis
It’s never good to let trash, especially bags that contain food waste, sit for long periods of time. In addition to removing trash from your home on a regular basis, it’s also worth making the switch to trash cans with lids to create another barrier for fruit flies. This could also come in handy if you have any young kids or curious pets around.
Clean Your Drains
Fruit flies can breed in moist areas, including drains. If you’re worried that they could be coming from your drains, all you need to do is pour boiling water down them every once in a while to keep everything clean. You can even put some baking soda and vinegar down there if you’d like a deeper clean.
Always Fix Leaks
Stay on top of all plumbing repairs that have to get done. A leaky faucet or pipes create damp environments that are perfect for fruit flies. A local plumber can help prevent leaks or take care of anything that’s already leaking.
Using Fruit Fly Traps
Fruit fly traps are a brilliant way to get rid of fruit flies. Here are a few types of traps you can use:
Wine Trap
Fruit flies are attracted to red wine. Pour a small amount of wine into a bottle and leave it uncapped so any flies can drown in the bottle.
Vinegar Trap
Get a bowl full of apple cider vinegar, place a piece of plastic wrap over it, then poke a few holes in it. The flies will be able to get in, but they won’t be able to get back out.
Store-Bought Traps
There are various commercial fruit fly traps available at local stores. These traps often use attractants to lure fruit flies and a sticky surface to trap them.
Home Remedies for Fruit Flies
If you prefer natural solutions, several home remedies can help eliminate fruit flies. Try these things out:
Lemon and Clove
Cut a lemon in half and stick cloves into the flesh. Place the lemon halves in areas where you’ve seen fruit flies. The scent of cloves repels fruit flies.
Milk, Sugar, and Pepper
Put a cup of milk, a tablespoon of ground black pepper, and a tablespoon of sugar into a shallow bowel. Leave it out to drown the flies and take care of your problem.
Essential Oils
Things like eucalyptus, peppermint, and lavender repel fruit flies. Mix a few drops of your choice with water and spray it around your kitchen.
Kitchen Pest Control
Effective kitchen pest control is essential to keeping fruit flies at bay. Here are some steps you can take:
Inspect Grocery Bags
Fruit flies can enter your home through grocery bags. Inspect fruits and vegetables before bringing them inside and wash them thoroughly.
Use Insecticides
Consider using insecticides to take care of your fruit fly issue. Choose products labeled safe for use in kitchens and follow the instructions carefully so you don’t hurt anyone in your household.
Regular Cleaning and Proper Food Storage
Keep everything clean by wiping down your counters, cleaning up spills, and washing dishes right away. Keep your food in airtight containers and keep your pantry organized. Regularly check for expired or rotting food and dispose of it.
Addressing Plumbing Maintenance
Fruit flies can breed in moist environments, including drains and leaky pipes. Addressing plumbing issues is crucial in preventing fruit flies:
Fix Leaks
Get into the habit of looking around your sinks and appliances for any leaks. If you find any, call for professional plumbing services since moist areas draw fruit flies in.
Clean Drains
Clean your drains every couple of weeks to get rid of any foods that could be appealing to fruit flies. You can use the boiling water technique or the baking soda and vinegar technique.
Inspect and Repair
It’s always helpful to call an expert to take a look at your plumbing if you’re having a fruit fly issue. They can take care of any issues that could damage your property and lure in pests.
Plumber Near Me: Do You Need Help in Minneapolis?
Eliminating little flying bugs in house in Minneapolis involves a combination of prevention, traps, home remedies, and proper kitchen pest control. Keeping your kitchen clean, storing food properly, and addressing plumbing issues are crucial steps.
Are you looking for an expert who can handle plumbing installation and other plumbing issues in Minneapolis? Contact Mr Plumbing and Drains to book your appointment. We have 24/7 emergency plumbing services, and our trucks are always stocked, bonded, and insured.
