Pesky fruit flies will be gone in ‘no time’ with ‘easy’ method to ‘trap’ them

Fruit flies are mainly attracted to foods going off, but they can also be drawn to drains and bins so it is good practice to keep the kitchen clean and tidy.

Posting on the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips Facebook page, Samantha Hutchinson, said: “Does anyone have any tips for getting rid of fruit flies? I have no fruit or rotten food and I’m riddled with them.”

The post attracted more than 20 comments from fellow cleaning enthusiasts, with lots of people recommending apple cider vinegar.

1. Apple cider vinegar

Kate Clifford wrote: “Use a little dish with apple cider vinegar and a drop of washing up liquid. Cover the dish with cling film and pierce a few holes for the flies to get through, easy.

“Fruit flies have such a short lifespan so make sure to rinse fruit and dispose of any decaying foods and fruits.”

Sam Robertson commented: “The washing up liquid breaks the water tension and causes the fruit flies to sink through the vinegar and drown. They won’t be able to find their way out again.”

Niomi Wizzy said: “Apple cider vinegar works in hours because of its strong scent to trap them and the flies will be gone in no time.”

1. Keep the kitchen clean

Other comments recommended keeping the kitchen spotless which will make it hard for fruit flies to survive in.

Nevaeh Richardson wrote: “Empty any bins where you’ve got flies, bleach clean and leave out overnight, make sure to get rid of any rubbish in outdoor bins too.

“If you can, move your black bin and food waste if they’re next to a door. Once you’ve eliminated the source, then you can move onto other methods of trapping the rest.”

3. Sugar

Garden Buildings Direct experts said: “For those who don’t have vinegar to hand, a super easy but effective bait for flies is anything sweet, like honey, syrup or sugar. 

“Fill a small glass jar with water and add one teaspoon of sugar and place it in your kitchen – once flies have been captured in the jar, pour away and repeat the process.”

4. Food storage

It is much easier to prevent fruit flies from appearing in the first place, compared to trying to get rid of an infestation.

According to the pros, one of the best ways to prevent further infestation is to seal all loose food products in air tight containers, placing them in the fridge.

They added: “This is especially true of fruit and vegetables. If any produce becomes overripe, dispose of it immediately.”