If you’re like most people, the last thing you want in your home is a fruit fly infestation. These tiny insects are not only annoying, but they can also carry disease. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to prevent them from taking up residence in your home. Read on to learn more.
Wash Sponges and Dishcloths Frequently
Fruit flies are attracted to the same things we are: moisture and food. Unfortunately, this means that they’re also attracted to our cleaning supplies. To prevent them from setting up shop in your sponge or dishcloth, be sure to wash them frequently. You can either wash them by hand or toss them in the washing machine. Either way, make sure they’re getting cleaned on a regular basis.
Keep Windows and Doors Closed
Fruit flies are also attracted to fresh air. This means that if you have open windows or doors, you’re inviting them into your home. To keep them out, make sure all of your windows and doors are closed when you’re not using them. If it’s nice outside and you want to let some fresh air in, consider using a screen door so that you can enjoy the outdoors without letting the fruit flies in.
Control Indoor Humidity
Another way to prevent fruit flies is to control the indoor humidity in your home. These insects love damp conditions, so if you can keep your home nice and dry, you’ll be less likely to have an issue with them. There are a few ways you can do this: use a dehumidifier, open up cabinets and cupboards frequently to allow circulation, and fix any leaks as soon as possible. By keeping the humidity under control, you’ll make your home much less inviting to fruit flies.
Clean Your Trash Can
Fruit flies love nothing more than a good garbagecan feast. To prevent them from setting up camp in your trashcan, be sure to empty it on a regular basis and give it a good cleaning every once in awhile. Wiping down the inside of the can with vinegar is a great way to deter these insects. You can also try lining your trashcan with Citronella candles or Cedar Mulch – both of which are natural fruit fly repellents.
How to Prevent Fruit Flies in 5 Simple Steps
There’s nothing worse than dealing with fruit flies. They’re pesky, they’re everywhere, and they seem to appear out of thin air—especially when you’ve got fresh produce on the counter. Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can do to prevent fruit flies from taking over your kitchen. Here are five tips to keep those pesky critters at bay.
Tip #1: Repel Fruit Flies With Herbs
If you want to keep fruit flies away, try placing a small bouquet of fresh herbs on your countertop. Mint, basil, and lavender are all great options. Not only will this help keep fruit flies away, but it’ll also make your kitchen smell amazing.
Tip #2: Wash and Inspect Produce
When you bring new fruits and vegetables home from the store, be sure to wash them thoroughly with soap and water before putting them away. This will remove any dirt or debris that could attract fruit flies. Also, be sure to inspect your produce for signs of damage or rot—discard anything that looks suspect immediately.
Tip #3: Store Fruit and Produce Properly
One of the easiest ways to prevent fruit fly infestations is to store fruits and vegetables properly. Be sure to keep them in airtight containers or bags in the fridge—this will help prevent fruit flies from getting to them in the first place.
Tip #4: Dispose of Damaged Fruit Correctly
As we mentioned before, it’s important to inspect your produce for signs of damage or rot before storing it away. Once you’ve removed any damaged fruits or vegetables from your countertop, be sure to dispose of them promptly in a sealed garbage bag. Otherwise, you risk attracting fruit flies.
Tip #5: Clean Food Preparation Areas Promptly
Fruit flies are attracted to food debris and spills, so it’s important to clean food preparation areas promptly after cooking or eating. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth should do the trick. By keeping your kitchen clean, you’ll make it much less attractive to fruit flies—and other pests as well.
Conclusion:
Dealing with fruit flies can be a real pain—but it doesn’t have to be! By following these simple tips, you can prevent fruit fly infestations before they start. So go ahead and enjoy those summertime picnics without worry—your kitchen (and your stomach) will thank you for it later.