We all agree on one thing- fruit flies are the worst! One minute, your kitchen is spotless, and the next, it’s like they’ve taken over your entire space. The good news is that you don’t need to spend a ton of money or use harsh chemicals to get rid of them. In fact, you can whip up a few easy DIY traps and repellents with things you probably already have at home!
In this post, I’m sharing 7 super simple DIY ways to get rid of fruit flies. Whether you’re dealing with a full-blown infestation or just a few unwanted guests, these remedies will help you take back your kitchen. So grab some apple cider vinegar, a few lemons, and let’s show those fruit flies the door!
7 DIY Ways To Get Rid Of Fruit Flies
Ideas and steps for getting rid of fruit flies:
1. Apple Cider Vinegar Trap
Apple cider vinegar is one of the most popular and effective ways to get rid of fruit flies. They’re naturally attracted to the smell of fermenting apples, which makes this an easy DIY trap.
What you need:
- ½ cup of apple cider vinegar
- A small bowl or jar
- Plastic wrap
- A toothpick or fork
Steps:
- Pour the apple cider vinegar into a small bowl or jar, filling it about halfway.
- Cover the top of the bowl or jar tightly with plastic wrap.
- Use a toothpick or fork to poke several small holes in the plastic wrap. The holes should be big enough for the flies to enter but small enough to keep them trapped inside.
- Place the bowl near where fruit flies are gathering, such as the kitchen counter or near your trash can.
- The flies will be attracted to the vinegar, crawl through the holes, and be unable to escape.
2. Red Wine Trap
Fruit flies can’t resist the smell of wine, especially when it’s beginning to ferment. This makes red wine a great bait for trapping them. And hey, any leftovers can make a day of fight fruit flies a little better!
What you need:
- ½ cup of red wine (leftover or cheap wine works)
- A small container or wine glass
- Plastic wrap or paper funnel (optional)
Steps:
- Pour the red wine into a small container or glass, leaving about an inch or two at the top.
- If using plastic wrap, cover the top and poke small holes in it with a toothpick. You can also create a paper funnel and place it in the glass, with the wide part facing up and the narrow part inside the glass.
- Place the trap where the fruit flies are most active.
- The fruit flies will be attracted to the wine, and the funnel or plastic wrap will make it difficult for them to escape once they’ve entered.
3. Dish Soap and Vinegar Trap
Adding dish soap to a vinegar trap helps break the surface tension, making it easier for the flies to sink and get trapped in the liquid.
What you need:
- ½ cup of apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- A few drops of dish soap
- A small bowl or container
Steps:
- Pour the vinegar into a small bowl or container.
- Add a few drops of dish soap to the vinegar and stir gently.
- Place the bowl in the area where fruit flies are gathering.
- The flies will be drawn to the vinegar, and when they land on the liquid, the dish soap will cause them to sink and drown.
4. Overripe Fruit Trap
If you have some overripe fruit lying around, you can use it to attract and trap fruit flies. It’s a simple and effective way to lure them away from your fresh fruit.
What you need:
- A piece of overripe fruit (like a banana, peach, or apple)
- A jar or bowl
- Plastic wrap
- A toothpick or fork
Steps:
- Place the overripe fruit in a jar or small bowl.
- Cover the top of the jar or bowl with plastic wrap.
- Poke several small holes in the plastic wrap using a toothpick or fork.
- Set the trap where the fruit flies are most active.
- The flies will be attracted to the overripe fruit, enter through the holes, and become trapped inside.
5. Milk, Sugar, and Pepper Trap
This old-fashioned remedy for fruit flies works surprisingly well. The combination of milk, sugar, and pepper creates an enticing trap that lures fruit flies in.
What you need:
- ½ cup of milk
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of ground black pepper
- A small saucepan
- A shallow dish or bowl
Steps:
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk, sugar, and pepper over low heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Once the mixture is ready, pour it into a shallow dish or bowl.
- Place the dish near the area where fruit flies are most active.
- The sweet smell of the mixture will attract the fruit flies, and once they land in it, they will be trapped in the liquid.
6. Lemon and Clove Repellent
This remedy doesn’t trap fruit flies, but it helps keep them away. Fruit flies dislike the scent of cloves, and when combined with lemon, this remedy can be a natural repellent.
What you need:
- 1 or 2 lemons
- Whole cloves
Steps:
- Cut a lemon in half and place each half on a small plate or directly on your countertop.
- Press several whole cloves into the flesh of each lemon half, distributing them evenly.
- Place the lemon halves in areas where you’ve noticed fruit flies, such as near your fruit bowl or trash can.
- The strong scent of cloves mixed with the lemon will repel fruit flies, keeping them away from your kitchen.
7. Essential Oil Spray
Certain essential oils, like lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus, can act as natural repellents for fruit flies. This method helps keep them away without the need for trapping them.
What you need:
- 10–15 drops of lavender, peppermint, or eucalyptus essential oil
- 1 cup of water
- A spray bottle
Steps:
- Fill a small spray bottle with 1 cup of water.
- Add 10–15 drops of your preferred essential oil (lavender, peppermint, or eucalyptus).
- Shake the bottle to mix the solution.
- Spray the mixture around windows, doors, and areas where fruit flies tend to gather. The strong scent of the essential oils will repel fruit flies and help keep them away.
- Reapply the spray as needed, especially after cleaning surfaces or if the smell starts to fade.
Now let’s wrap it up-
Fruit flies are annoying, but with these simple home remedies, you can get rid of them without resorting to harsh chemicals. Whether you’re trapping them with vinegar or repelling them with essential oils, these methods are affordable, easy, and effective. The next time fruit flies invade your kitchen, you’ll have plenty of options to send them packing!
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