A Cozy Lifestyle with Clearissa Coward
I can be changed By What Happens To Me. But I Refuse To Be Reduced By It. – Maya Angelou
How To Avoid Fruit Flies This Summer
The summer season comes with so many beautiful things. For me, one of those great things is visiting the farmer’s market and bringing home fresh fruit and veggies. Along with the fresh veggies and fruit, sometimes the annoying fruit flies arrive.
Google is my friend and I wanted to know why fruit flies are attracted to my beautiful fruits and veggies and this is what I found. Fruit flies are attracted to ripening or fermenting fruits and vegetables. They are especially drawn to the scent of ethyl alcohol, which is produced during the fermentation process. Fruit flies lay their eggs on the surface of these ripe or rotting fruits and vegetables, and the larvae (or maggots) hatch from these eggs, feeding on the decaying matter. This cycle continues as the larvae mature into adult fruit flies, perpetuating the population. Additionally, fruit flies can also be attracted to other organic materials such as garbage, drains, and even moist mops or rags, providing additional breeding sites.
Now that we know the disgusting how and why of the fruit fly saga, it’s time to eliminate the annoying pests.
Apple Cider Vinegar Trap: As my research indicated, fruit flies are attracted to the smell of fermented fruits. Place some apple cider vinegar in a shallow dish or a cup, add a few drops of dish soap, and cover it with plastic wrap. Poke small holes in the plastic wrap. The fruit flies will be attracted to the vinegar, and the soap will trap them.
Red Wine Trap: Similar to the apple cider vinegar trap, fruit flies are attracted to the smell of red wine. Pour a little red wine into a container, cover it with plastic wrap, and poke holes in the wrap. The flies will be drawn to the wine and get trapped.
Fruit Fly Repellent Plants: Certain plants like basil, lavender, and mint are known to repel fruit flies. Keep these plants near your kitchen or windows to deter fruit flies from entering your home.
Cleanliness: Make sure to keep your kitchen clean and free of ripe or rotting fruits and vegetables, as these are attractive to fruit flies. Regularly empty and clean your trash cans, wipe down counters, and clean up spills promptly. Do not over-purchase when buying fruits and vegetables. It’s so easy to when you’re at the market and everything is looking so fresh and tasty. But only purchase what you think you and your family will eat. Also, check the fruit bowl daily to make sure nothing is rotting and if it is, remove it immediately and wash the container.
Essential Oils: Fruit flies dislike the smell of certain essential oils such as lemongrass, lavender, and eucalyptus. Mix a few drops of these oils with water in a spray bottle and spray it around areas where fruit flies are present.
Herbal Sachets: Create small sachets filled with dried herbs like lavender, mint, or bay leaves and place them near areas where fruit flies are frequent. The strong scent will deter them from sticking around.
Homemade Fruit Fly Traps: You can create simple traps using items you have at home. For example, a jar with a piece of fruit at the bottom can attract fruit flies. Place a paper funnel in the jar’s opening to make it difficult for them to escape once they’re inside.
Avoidance: I prefer to be proactive versus reactive when it comes to those yucky fruit flies. Be sure to check your bags and the fruit before you bring them into your homes. Sometimes they come with fruits and veggies. Be sure to thoroughly clean your fruits and vegetables as soon as possible once you bring it home. I use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to clean most of my produce. I also invested in an ionizer that I also use to make sure my produce is free of all pest and pesticides before you and your family ingest them.
Consistency is key when dealing with fruit flies. Implementing these methods regularly can help you reduce their numbers and eventually get rid of them altogether. And then
you can relax and enjoy your fresh produce.
Don’t forget to share this post with your family & friends. I greatly appreciate it.
Hugs & Blessings,
Great tips. I hate those pesky little flying critters. They are so annoying. Thanks for the information.
Hi Carol. I hate them too. They are so annoying. But these tips should truly help. Thank you for watching. Hugs.