So, You've Got a Fruit Fly Problem...

Here are a few proven methods for eliminating the tiny pests.

We’ve all been there.
You hear a faint buzzing sound in your kitchen or garden, and a tiny insect comes into view.

You might kill one, two, or three of the little pests, but more always seem to come. Fruit flies, or Drosophila, can be an issue all year round, but tend to be a particular nuisance during the late summer/early fall months—as most species reproduce in over-ripened or decaying plant material.

Tomatoes, potatoes, melons, squash, bananas, trash, houseplants... basically, any moist or unrefrigerated produce, flower or fungus can cause an indoor fruit fly infestation.

First, let’s discuss where these tiny pests come from. Then, we’ll hit on a few proven methods for banishing them, once and for all.

Tiny bug, huge reproductive potential.
So, what’s the deal with these annoying little flies, anyway? And where do they come from? Fruit flies may originate froma previously infested fruit or vegetable brought into the home, or they may fly in through a window or door. Once inside, all that’s needed for fruit flies to develop is a moist film of fermenting material on organic materials.

They typically lay their eggs near the surface of an over-ripened fruit or vegetable, but infestations can also begin in drains, trash, empty bottles, cleaning rags, or even on houseplants! Mature fruit flies are about 1/8 inch long, with red eyes and small, tan-and-black bodies. Given the opportunity, they can lay over 500 eggs. (Yeah... it’s no wonder why once they appear, we have so much trouble getting rid of them.)

The best way to deal with fruit flies is to stop potential breeding sites from existing in the first place.

Follow these tips to avoid future infestations:
● Eat, discard or refrigerate ripe produce immediately. Baskets filled with ripe or overripe fruit should be avoided.
● Any damaged fruit or vegetables should be used first, and damaged portions should be cut away and brought outside to the trash. This may feel dramatic, but you’ll thank yourself later.

Once an infestation occurs, all sources of potential infestation should be eliminated.
Make sure to properly clean often-overlooked areas like the garbage disposal, the back of the refrigerator, any surfaces that might have recently had a sugary spill, etc. 

Remember: Unless breeding sites are properly removed or cleaned, the problem will persist, no matter how often insecticides are applied to control the adults.

Then: Natural insecticide, traps, or both.
After you eliminate the breeding site, an insecticide may be used to kill any remaining adult flies in the area. Consider swapping out typical aerosol spray for a natural alternative like apple cider vinegar.

Here’s our favorite method: 
● Pour about an inch of apple cider vinegar into a glass jar and mix in a little dish soap. Construct a paper funnel out of a sheet of paper, or cover the top in saran wrap and punch a couple of holes in the plastic. Place these jars wherever fruit flies have been spotted, sit back, and wait.
● Use a fly swatter to kill any adult flies you see. Dispose of them properly outside.

Don’t forget to inspect your houseplants.
As mentioned above, another favorite breeding spot for fruit flies is the soil of potted indoor plants. Unfortunately, fruit flies find all the decaying organic matter and fungi they need to thrive in your average potting soil.

If you find the tiny pests hovering over your plants, here are a few steps to take:
● Consider your watering habits. Overwatered soil often means rotting organic debris. Water your plants slightly less or less often if you think this might be the issue, and always empty plant trays/saucers of stagnant water.
● Mix a few drops of dish soap in a cup of warm water, then gently wipe or spray down infested plants. You may also usea natural insecticide like Neem Oil, which reduces insect feeding and acts as a repellent. It also interferes with insect hormone systems, making it harder for insects to grow and lay eggs.
● Spread coarse sand or aquarium gravel over the topmost layer of the potting soil to disturb the larvae, and interrupt the fruit fly life cycle. (Sorry, little guys. Your time has come.)

Though these tiny pests can be a nuisance, we’re lucky that they’re more annoying than they are wise.