Tired of annoying fruit flies? Those who answer "yes" are not alone. Many kitchens have been invaded by annoying fruit flies and more than a few picnics ruined by their unwanted presence. Tenacious and frustratingly resilient, fruit flies are the source of much displeasure.
What Causes Fruit Flies?
Fruit flies are brownish-yellow, red-eyed, winged insects. They are tiny, and yet they make their presence known. Fruit flies thrive on...well...fruit, though they are fond of a variety of foods. And they can smell food at great distances and can invade one's home through just about any crack in the house.
Known as Drosophilae, fruit flies are considered the "model organism" for their benefits to scientific research. They share biological similarities with other species (including humans), offering researchers many opportunities to advance scientific knowledge. Indeed, fruit flies are being used currently to help scientists study brain cancer.
Ways to Eliminate Fruit Flies
Of course, most people who encounter fruit flies are not conducting medical or scientific research. They just want their homes back. So, how can a home owner or family get rid of fruit flies?
The addage "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" applies here. The best way to eliminate fruit flies is to make it undesirable for them to come in the first place. Here are a few ways to keep one's home free of fruit flies:
- Keep the kitchen sink clean! Wash all dishes. Clear the drains. Keep the dish rags clean.
- Watch that Trash Can! First, keep that trash can covered. An opened trash can is an open invitation to all kinds of unwanted pests. So, keep it closed. Also, don't just throw food (half-finished dinner, discarded fruit, etc.) into the trash can. Use the garbage disposal or double (even triple) bag your food, before putting it in the waste basket.
- Clear the Counters! Don't leave fruit, vegetables, and other foods out in the open on the counter. It may look pretty, but it also attracts fruit flies. Use containers. Those who like the look of fruit on the counter can invest in artificial fruit decorations. Don't let unwashed dishes or half-finished dinner plates pile up on the counters either.
- Keep the refrigerator clean and the seals secure. Pay attention to the top and under the fridge. Fruit flies love refrigerators.
- Keep the stove and dishwasher clean.
For those who like a more aggressive "take the fight to them" approach, here are a few additional options:
- Suck'em Up! Take a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment and target those buggers! The suction process will take care of them. And it may provide a dose of personal satisfaction.
- Traps -- Rather than the fruit flies popping up where they are not wanted, homeowners can influence and even redirect the fruit flies via traps. One possible trap is the good ole oven! Clean the entire kitchen, leaving everything secure and covered - except for a nice, juicy piece of ripe fruit in the open oven! Leave it that way overnight. In the morning, close the door. Turn on the oven - and bake 'em! There are other traps one can try. If interested, search the Internet for more clever ideas.
Fruit flies are indeed a pain, but they don't have to win. With the right strategy, especially one geared toward prevention, home owners can turn the tables and eliminate fruit flies from their homes.
