How to Rid of Fruit Flies, Once and for All

Fruit flies, those tiny, pesky insects that seem to appear out of nowhere, can be a real nuisance in our office/ kitchen areas. They're attracted to ripening fruits, vegetables, and any moist, sugary substance, making them a common sight in kitchens and pantries. If you're tired of swatting at these unwelcome guests, it's time to take action. In this blog post, we'll guide you through effective methods to banish fruit flies from your restaurant, kitchen areas and throughout your office for good.

​Where do fruit flies come from?

Fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) are small insects that are commonly found in and around areas with ripe or decaying fruits, vegetables, and other organic materials. They are particularly attracted to the sweet and fermenting aromas of overripe or rotting produce. ​Female fruit flies lay their eggs on the surface of or inside overripe, rotting, or decaying fruit. If you think that's gross, brace yourself. Each female fruit fly can lay up to 500 eggs at a time! For that reason, it's important to take action as soon as you see the very first fruit fly.

How to get rid of fruit flies for good

1. Identify and Remove Attractants

​The first step in eliminating fruit flies is to remove their food sources. Check for overripe fruits and vegetables on your counters and in your pantry. Dispose of them properly, seal them in plastic bags, or store them in the refrigerator.

2. Clean Your Kitchen Area

Fruit flies are drawn to spills and crumbs. Wipe down countertops, clean up spills, and ensure your kitchen and common eating area are free from any food residue. Empty and clean your trash cans regularly to eliminate breeding grounds.

​3. Secure Food Items

Store fruits and vegetables in airtight containers or in the refrigerator to prevent fruit flies from accessing them. This also helps keep produce fresh for longer. A few great tools to keep food items sealed:

4. Clean Drains and Garbage Disposals

Fruit flies often lay eggs in moist areas like drains and garbage disposals. Regularly clean these areas using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to eliminate potential breeding sites.

5. Seal Entry Points

Check doors, windows, and any openings that could serve as entry points for fruit flies. Seal any gaps or cracks to prevent them from entering your office area.

6. Be Persistent

Fruit flies can be persistent, so be patient and consistent with your efforts. Even if you don't see immediate results, the combination of these methods will eventually lead to a fruit fly-free environment. 

What are some ways to trap fruit flies?

​Create homemade fruit fly traps using common household items. For example, place a small amount of apple cider vinegar or wine in a jar, cover it with plastic wrap, and poke a few holes in the wrap. Fruit flies will be attracted to the scent, enter the jar, and be unable to escape. If you don't have time to make DIY fruit flies trap, try visiting your local hardware or home improvement store to find commercial fruit fly traps. These are designed to attract and capture fruit flies efficiently.

​Will fruit flies go away on their own?

While individual fruit flies have a short lifespan of about 8-10 days, their reproductive capabilities are impressive. A single female fruit fly can lay hundreds of eggs during her short lifetime, and these eggs can hatch into larvae within hours. This rapid reproduction cycle makes it easy for fruit fly populations to grow quickly if conditions are favorable.

To prevent fruit flies, it's important to maintain good hygiene practices in your restaurant and kitchen areas. Regularly clean surfaces, dispose of overripe or rotting fruits and vegetables promptly, empty trash cans, and keep drains and pipes clean. By minimizing their breeding grounds and removing their food sources, you can significantly reduce the presence of fruit flies in your restaurant/ kitchen/ office areas.

When in doubt, call Executive Building Maintenance! We have variety of cleaning services that you can rely on. When we say thorough, we mean it. Our professional cleaners leave no corner untouched, no speck of dust unvanquished. Why settle for anything less? Experience the difference that a truly thorough cleaning can make. Get in touch today and let us redefine what "clean" really means.

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