How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies

This method uses a combination of dish soap and red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar to trap and kill fruit flies. 

Step 1: Prepare the Trap
To prepare the fruit fly trap, add ½ inch of apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar into a small bowl.

Step 2: Add Dish Soap
Add 2–3 drops of dish soap to the red wine or apple cider vinegar. Fruit flies are attracted to the scent of vinegar and will fall into the soapy mixture, where they'll drown.

Step 3: Place the Trap
Place the bowl in areas where fruit flies are a problem, such as near fruit bowls, trash cans or windows. 

Step 4: Wash the Trap
Once the dish is filled with fruit flies, discard the mixture and wash the bowl. If needed, repeat the process until the fruit flies disappear.

These traps lure adult fruit flies to a trap with a non-toxic liquid base. Once they enter, they're unable to escape. Each trap lasts approximately 30 days. These traps hide the flies in the container, so they're recommended over flypaper where the flies are visible and unsightly in a place where you're preparing food.

Follow the steps below to prevent fruit fly infestations in your home, especially in the kitchen.

• Dispose of garbage, especially food waste, daily to avoid attracting pests. Even small food scraps can draw insects and rodents.
• Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink or on the counter. Clean them promptly to prevent food remnants from attracting pests like ants and cockroaches.
• Wipe up any food or drink spills right away. Quick cleanups prevent sticky spots that can attract pests.
• Regularly wipe down your countertops. Even tiny crumbs or moisture can attract unwanted pests.
• Refrigerate fresh produce as soon as possible. Leaving it out can attract fruit flies, especially if the fruit is past its prime.
• Keep fresh fruits and vegetables away from overripe ones. Overripe fruit releases gases that can spoil other produce.

Fruit flies are not only annoying, they can also contaminate food with bacteria. If you see them, take immediate action. You'll want to place your fruit fly traps near a garbage can, window or fruit bowl where they're most often found. Here are several ways to get rid of them.

• Add apple cider vinegar and dish soap to a small bowl. The smell of the vinegar will attract them and the dish soap will prevent them from escaping.
• Place an insect trap near a garbage can or a fruit bowl.
• Cut a plastic water bottle in half. Put apple cider vinegar in the bottom half. Turn the top half of the bottle over and place it like a funnel in the bottom half. Tape the edges.

Visit your local Lowe's or shop online for fruit fly traps and cleaning supplies.

What's the fastest way to get rid of fruit flies?
There are several ways to get rid of fruit flies. Add apple cider vinegar and a couple of drops of dish soap to a small dish or you can purchase an insect trap. The fruit flies will be attracted to the scent. They'll fly in, but will be unable to escape.

How can I prevent fruit flies from coming back?
To prevent fruit flies from returning, you should empty the trash regularly. Clean the garbage disposal and sink drains. Immediately wipe down counters and store produce in sealed containers or in your fridge.

Do fruit flies die in the winter?
Fruit flies can't survive outdoors in cold weather. However, they can survive indoors if food and warmth are available.

Are fruit flies harmful?
Fruit flies themselves aren't harmful, but they can transmit bacteria and contaminate produce.

What's the difference between fruit flies and gnats?
Gnats are smaller and darker. They're typically found in drains or overwatered plants. Fruit flies are brown with red eyes. They're attracted to fruit that's rotting or ripening.