HOW TO GET RID OF FRUIT FLIES

Fruit flies invade kitchens and homes all over the world.

In fact, they are found anywhere there is exposed food, like in homes, restaurants, cafes, cafeterias, hotels, farmers markets, dumpsters and food processing facilities.

For many years it was believed that fruit flies magically developed on rotten or over-ripe fruits and vegetables. This is not true. The truth is that fruit flies come indoors through windows, doors and even drain pipes by following odours emitted by ripe produce or by hitching a ride on the produce you bring indoors. In additon to feeding on product, they lay their eggs in rotten or fermenting fruits, vegetables and other organic matter like meat, wine, beer and soda pop.

We get asked about fruit flies all the time, so we’ve complied a list of things you can do to prevent and rid of fruit flies:

• Wash all fruits and vegetables as soon as you bring them into your house.
• Store them in the refrigerator, not on your counter.
• Don’t buy or keep excess quantities of produce unless you plan to use them immediately (making jams or canning), or you have room to store them in your refrigerator.
• Regularly inspect your produce, and if anything is rotten, compost or throw it out.
• Clean up food and liquid spills after they happen.
• Keep your kitchen counters, sinks and drains clean and sanitized.
• Use garbage and compost bins with secure lids, and store these away from your home, especially any entrances.
• Clean and sanitize indoor and outdoor garbage cans, recycle bins and compost bins regularly.

While fruit flies are a sanitation issue, which can be resolved by following the tips above, a serious fruit fly infestation may require help from a licensed pest control professional.