Fruit flies can be a pesky problem, particularly in the kitchen where they’re attracted to ripening or fermented fruits and vegetables. Here’s a simple and effective DIY trick to help you get rid of fruit flies in your house:
DIY Fruit Fly Trap:
Materials Needed:
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A jar or a small bowl
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Plastic wrap
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A toothpick or a fork
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Apple cider vinegar or ripe fruit
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Dish soap
Instructions:
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Prepare the Trap:
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Fill the jar or bowl with about an inch of apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar has a fruity smell that attracts fruit flies. If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can also use very ripe fruit pieces, wine, or beer as bait.
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Add Dish Soap:
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Add a drop or two of dish soap to the vinegar or other bait. The dish soap breaks the surface tension of the liquid, causing the fruit flies that land on the surface to sink and drown.
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Cover with Plastic Wrap:
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Cover the jar or bowl tightly with plastic wrap. This helps ensure that flies that enter cannot escape.
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Poke Holes:
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Use a toothpick or fork to poke several small holes in the plastic wrap. Make sure the holes are big enough for the fruit flies to enter but small enough to make escape difficult.
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Place the Trap:
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Set the trap in areas where you notice fruit flies the most, such as the kitchen counter, near the fruit bowl, or by the garbage can.
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Check and Replace:
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Check the trap daily and replace the bait as needed until you no longer see fruit flies in your home.
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Additional Tips:
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Prevent Future Infestations: To prevent fruit flies from returning, keep kitchen surfaces clean and dry. Store fruit in the refrigerator or covered containers, regularly dispose of garbage, and rinse out beverage containers before recycling.
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Natural Deterrents: You can also deter fruit flies by using a bowl of cloves or an open container with a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint oil placed in areas prone to fruit flies.
This simple and economical DIY trap is very effective at capturing and eliminating fruit flies, helping you maintain a fly-free home.
