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#How to get rid of fruit flies full
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. Photo credit: Mohammed El Damir, Pest Management, Photo: The common fruit fly, or vinegar fly, Drosophila melanogaster ( Drosophilidae). The flies enter the trap through the holes and drown themselves in the vinegar. Punch about a dozen or so holes in the plastic wrap with a toothpick and set out the traps where the flies seem to congregate. Then, stretch plastic wrap across the top of the glass so it is taut. Then add a drop or two, no more, of liquid dishwashing soap to the vinegar and swirl it a bit.
Any spilled fruit juice, beer, wine or liquids that may ferment should be completely cleaned up. Empty the kitchen garbage can every evening and make sure it is clean and dry before adding new garbage. Check drawers and other areas where fruit, potatoes or onions are stored to make sure that none are starting to rot or leak juice. Fruit flies can reproduce anywhere there is wet fermenting organic matter present. Ripe fruit or damaged fruit should be eaten, refrigerated or thrown away. Many callers claim they appear out of nowhere.Įliminating those things that attract fruit flies is the best way to avoid problems. If you put a bowl of tomatoes or fruit out this time of year, it will likely have a swarm of these tiny little pests around it in a matter of minutes. They are very irritating to gardeners who want to display their hard-earned produced on the kitchen table. Fruit flies may be small enough to pass through window screens, so it is difficult to keep them out of the house.
They love fermenting fruits and are attracted to any sweet liquid be it fruit or vegetable juice, soda and beer left in the bottom of the can, or something thrown into the garbage can. This is especially true for anyone with a vegetable garden or backyard orchard.įruit flies are very small, light brown with red eyes. Fall is the time of the year when fruit flies, also known as vinegar flies, can become very bothersome in homes. Flies of all kinds peak in numbers during late summer because there is lots of decaying fruit and other organic material out there this time of year.