Randy Bilesky BScF CPA RPF
President at Go Green
October 21, 2024
Fruit flies can be a nuisance in the fall, often because of overripe or rotting fruit and vegetables that might be left out. They’re also attracted to sugary substances and fermentation, so any spills or leftovers can draw them in. As the weather cools, they might move indoors seeking warmth and food sources. To reduce their presence, try to keep your kitchen clean, store fruits in the fridge, and take out the trash regularly. Fruit flies are generally not considered major disease carriers. They can carry some bacteria on their bodies, but the risk of them spreading diseases to humans is low. However, they can contaminate food with bacteria from surfaces they land on, so it’s a good idea to keep things clean and covered. If you have fruit flies, it’s best to eliminate their breeding sources to minimize any potential risks.
There are several effective traps you can use to catch fruit flies:
- Vinegar Trap: Fill a small bowl with apple cider vinegar and cover it with plastic wrap. Poke small holes in the wrap. The flies will be attracted to the vinegar and get trapped inside.
- Wine Trap: Leave a little bit of leftover wine in a bottle. The flies will be drawn to it and won’t be able to escape.
- Beer Trap: Similar to the wine trap, a bit of beer in a container can attract fruit flies.
- Fruit Trap: Place a piece of overripe fruit in a jar with a funnel on top. The flies will enter for the fruit but have a hard time getting out.
- Commercial Traps: There are also ready-made traps available that use attractants to catch fruit flies.
Setting up a few of these traps around your kitchen can help reduce their numbers significantly.
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