The Top 3 Ways to Get Rid of a Fruit Fly Infestation
How do you get rid of fruit flies?
That’s the question pest control companies across the country get asked thousands of times per year, especially in the summer months when their infestations are most likely to occur.
In this blog post, AAA Exterminating, a pest control company in Indianapolis, will explore 3 of the most common ways to prevent and eliminate fruit fly infestations in your home. We’ll start with the basics and end with some creative ways to help keep these tiny pests away from your home and loved ones!
The Lifecycle of the Fruit Fly
The fruit fly lifecycle consists of four stages:
1. Egg
2. Larva
3. Pupa
4. Adult
The entire process from egg to adult can take as little as 7 days, which is why infestations can happen so quickly. A female fruit fly will lay eggs in the kitchen when there are overripe fruits or vegetables present. It takes about 3 hours for an egg to hatch into a larva that will then feed on whatever food it can find in the kitchen.
When the larva matures, it becomes pupae and transforms into an adult with wings after about one day. One week later, the adults will be ready to start laying more eggs. Fruit flies only live up to a month at most, but their fast reproduction rate means that you’ll need pest control services sooner rather than later!
Why Do Fruit Flies Target Our Kitchens?
Fruit flies are attracted to the ripened fruit that we store in our homes. They are also attracted to fermented beverages, such as beer and wine. Fruit flies are especially attracted to areas with moisture! Kitchen sink drains, garbage disposals, cleaning rags, and even mops can serve as the perfect grounds for fruit flies to lay their eggs…Did you know the female fruit fly can lay up to 500 eggs in her lifetime?
1) Traps
The most common way to get rid of fruit flies is to use traps. There are many different types of traps, but the most effective ones use bait to lure the flies in and then prevent them from escaping.
2) Cleanliness and Preparation
The best way to get rid of fruit flies is to prevent them from coming into your home in the first place. To do this, you need to keep your kitchen clean. Wipe down surfaces, sweep and mop the floors, and take out the trash regularly.
You should also avoid leaving dirty dishes in the sink and overripe fruit out on countertops. If you make it a habit to keep your kitchen clean, fruit flies will have a hard time setting up shop in your home. Make sure there are no cracks or crevices in any part of your home. Seal any holes around pipes or window sills with caulk and other sealants.
Preventing moisture buildup can help too—make sure gutters are clear and free of debris, and fix leaky faucets or drippy hoses as soon as possible. Also, keep pet food stored away from fruit fly territory—either store it high off the ground or put an airtight lid on it at all times.
3) Natural Remedies
If you’re looking for a more natural way to get rid of fruit flies, there are a few things you can try. First, mix together equal parts vinegar and water in a bowl. Then, take a piece of fruit and dip it in the mixture. The fruit fly will be attracted to the sweetness and will crawl into the bowl and drown.
You can make your own trap by filling a jar with apple cider vinegar and adding a drop of dish soap. The dish soap will break the surface tension of the vinegar, causing the flies to drown. Alternatively, you can purchase a pre-made trap that uses this same principle.
Contact a Pest Control Company
Still have fruit fly problems?
Don’t worry!
If you want a quick fix to your fruit fly problems, contact a pest control company in Indianapolis! With over 65 years of experience, AAA Exterminating can assist you with all of your pest problems! Call (317) 773-3797 to get started.