Fruit flies can be a real nuisance. One minute, your kitchen is spotless, and the next, tiny insects are hovering around your fruit bowl or sink.
If you’re dealing with these unwelcome visitors, you’re not alone. Fruit flies are drawn to ripened or fermenting fruits, vegetables, and other organic materials.
The good news? You can tackle them quickly with a few practical steps.
In this post, we’ll walk you through exactly how to get rid of fruit flies in the house—for good.
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What Attracts Fruit Flies?
Before you can get rid of fruit flies, it’s important to understand what brings them into your home in the first place. These tiny insects are attracted to:
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Overripe or rotting fruits and vegetables
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Food scraps in the sink or garbage disposal
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Spilled juices, alcohol, or sugary substances
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Unwashed recycling bins
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Damp mops or cleaning rags
Once they find a food source, they reproduce quickly, laying up to 500 eggs at a time! That’s why fast action is key.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies in the House
1. Eliminate the Source
Start by removing anything that could be feeding them:
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Throw out any overripe or spoiled fruit.
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Clean your kitchen counters, sinks, and drains thoroughly.
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Take out the trash and rinse your garbage and compost bins.
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Don’t forget to check under appliances for hidden spills or food scraps.
2. Make a DIY Fruit Fly Trap
One of the most effective ways to catch fruit flies is with a homemade trap. Here’s a simple one you can try:
Apple Cider Vinegar Trap:
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Pour a small amount of apple cider vinegar into a glass.
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Add a drop of dish soap (this breaks the surface tension so flies can’t escape).
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Cover the top with plastic wrap and poke a few small holes with a toothpick.
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Set it near where you see the most fruit fly activity.
The smell of the vinegar will lure the flies in, but they won’t be able to get out.
3. Use a Commercial Fruit Fly Trap
If you prefer a ready-made solution, here are some top-rated options available on Amazon:
✅ TERRO Fruit Fly Trap – Easy-to-use, with a discreet apple-shaped design.
Buy on Amazon
✅ Katchy Indoor Insect Trap – A fan-powered trap with UV light that works on fruit flies, mosquitoes, and gnats.
Buy on Amazon
✅ FlyPunch Fruit Fly Trap – Safe for use around food and pets, and has a strong attractant formula.
Buy on Amazon
4. Clean Drains and Sinks
Fruit flies often breed in drains. Here’s how to clean them:
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Boil a pot of water and pour it slowly down the drain.
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Use a drain brush to scrub away any organic buildup.
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Pour a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar into the drain and let it foam up. After 5–10 minutes, rinse with hot water.
5. Keep Your House Dry and Sealed
Fruit flies love moisture and decaying matter. To prevent a re-infestation:
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Wipe down wet sponges, dishcloths, and mops after use.
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Store fruits and vegetables in the fridge instead of on the counter.
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Use tight-fitting lids on trash and compost bins.
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Seal window screens and doors to block outdoor flies from getting in.
Prevention Tips
Once you’ve dealt with the current problem, follow these tips to keep fruit flies from returning:
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Wash produce as soon as you bring it home.
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Empty trash and compost daily.
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Clean food spills immediately.
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Keep wine bottles, beer cans, and juice boxes sealed or disposed of properly.
Also Check: How to Get Rid of Ants in the House
Final Thoughts
Dealing with fruit flies can be frustrating, but it’s manageable with the right approach.
You can reclaim your home quickly by eliminating attractants, setting up traps, and cleaning breeding grounds.
Now that you know how to get rid of fruit flies in your house, you’ll be better prepared to stop an infestation before it starts.
