How to get rid of fruit flies at home this summer, according to an expert

Fruit flies can be a real pain and seem impossible to get rid of now an expert has revealed his top tips for getting rid of the peaky flies this summer

Fruit flies can be really annoying during the summer months, often showing up in the kitchen and becoming extremely difficult to get rid of. As soon as temperatures rise these tiny pests seem to appear out of nowhere and are drawn to anything from overripe fruit to spilled sugary drinks.

Once these tiny flies are in your house, they can be hard to shake. However, pest control expert Jonathan Nicholls at HomeHow.co.uk has revealed his top tips for eliminating fruit flies from your house.

Adult fruit flies are often attracted to fermenting fruits, vegetables and sugary substances. Once they find a food source, females lay hundreds of eggs on the surface, which hatch into larvae within 24 hours, making it easy for infestations to spiral out of control quickly.

This rapid reproductive cycle means that, if not addressed quickly, fruit flies can get out of hand in no time. To effectively eliminate fruit fries, both the adults and their breeding grounds must be addressed.

Jonathan recommends creating a trap to capture the flies before they breed. Homemade traps are a simple and inexpensive way to get rid of the flies using items that you already have in your kitchen.

The expert recommends either of these three different traps to help eliminate these pesky flies.

• Apple Cider Vinegar Trap : Start by pouring a small amount of apple cider vinegar into a bowl or jar before covering it with cling film and poking small holes in the top. The sweet aroma through the small holes will attract the flies, while the cling film will trap them inside.
• Wine or Beer Trap : Similar to the vinegar trap, pour a small amount of wine or beer into a container. The scent will lure the fruit flies, causing them to fall in and drown.
• Soap and Water Solution : This trick is as simple as mixing water with a few drops of dish soap in a bowl. The soap will break the surface tension of the water, making it difficult for the flies to escape once they land.

Although a thorough clean is critical for getting rid of fruit flies. The expert recommends removing any overripe fruits or vegetables that have started to ferment, and placing them in a bin outside.

As well as cleaning all surfaces where food or drinks may have been spilled – paying close attention to countertops, sink drains and the insides of cupboards. Additionally, any sticky residue can attract flies and serve as a breeding ground.