Fruit flies are tiny flies that often appear during the late summer to early fall. If you have an infestation of these pests, this guide will provide you the steps on how to get rid of fruit flies.

1. Locate the breeding ground and get rid of any eggs.
2. Set out traps to capture adults.
3. Do not leave ripened produce out.
4. Equip your doors and windows with tight fitting screens.

Fruit flies are tiny flies that often appear during the late summer to early fall. If you have an infestation of these pests, this guide will provide you the steps on how to get rid of fruit flies.

1. Locate the breeding ground and get rid of any eggs.
2. Set out traps to capture adults.
3. Do not leave ripened produce out.
4. Equip your doors and windows with tight fitting screens.

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• by Jacky Graves

• Fruit flies are attracted to ripened fruits and vegetables, but will also breed wherever there is a moist film on fermenting material.University of Kentucky Entomology: Fruit Flies (January 1994) This means that they will likely breed in drains, garbage disposals, mops, trash cans and bottles. Follow the tips provided here to eliminate a current infestation, as well as to prevent future outbreaks.

• In order to get rid of fruit flies, it is necessary to locate and eliminate their breeding ground. If you fail to do so, your fruit fly problem will continue.University of Kentucky Entomology: Fruit Flies (January 1994)

1. Check areas that are inaccessible, such as garbage disposals and drains, by taping a clear plastic bag over the opening overnight to catch any adults that will emerge.University of Kentucky Entomology: Fruit Flies (January 1994)
2. Use cleaning products that eliminate the odors of fermenting material.Iowa State University Extension: Don't Make a Home for Fruit Flies (October 14, 2005)
3. Get rid of any sources of standing water, as these serve as fruit fly breeding grounds.Orkin: Fruit Fly
4. An aerosol spray can be used to kill adult fruit flies, but will not work on larvae.Virginia Cooperative Extension: Fruit Fly Ohio State University Extension: Vinegar Flies (August 1996)

• What You'll Need
• A jar
• Piece of notebook paper
• 1 cup of cider vinegar or a slice of banana.

1. Make a paper funnel with a piece of paper and place in a jar.University of Kentucky Entomology: Fruit Flies (January 1994)
2. Pour in 1 cup of cider vinegar or add a slice of banana and place in a location where there are fruit flies.About.com: Get Rid of Fruit Flies University of Kentucky Entomology: Fruit Flies (January 1994)
3. Place the jar in an area where fruit flies are a problem.About.com: Get Rid of Fruit Flies
4. Captured fruit flies should be killed or released outside.University of Kentucky Entomology: Fruit Flies (January 1994)

• Of course, the best way to get rid of fruit flies is to never get them at all. These tips will provide you ways to prevent a fruit fly infestation.

1. Eat, refrigerate, or throw out any ripened produce.University of Kentucky Entomology: Fruit Flies (January 1994)
2. Clean juice spills, rotting produce and recycling bins.University of Kentucky Entomology: Fruit Flies (January 1994)
3. Make sure doors and windows have tight fitting mesh screens.University of Kentucky Entomology: Fruit Flies (January 1994)
4. Store recycling containers away from the kitchen or other areas you store food.Iowa State University Extension: Don't Make a Home for Fruit Flies (October 14, 2005)
5. Take compost out daily and clean the bucket thoroughly.Professor's House: How to Kill Fruit Flies
6. Use trash cans that have lids.Professor's House: How to Kill Fruit Flies
7. Sprinkle dry soap into trash cans to repel fruit flies.Home Remedy Reference Center: Home Remedies for Fruit Flies
8. Put basil on a window sill to reduce the number of fruit flies.Home Remedy Reference Center: Home Remedies for Fruit Flies
9. Do not keep stale beer or soft drinks lying around.Colorado State University Extension: Flies in the Home (January 2007)

• Once you have taken a few simple steps to eradicate your fruit fly problem, it is important to follow with the prevention tips described above. The best method of ridding fruit flies is to prevent them from infesting your home in the first place.

• Introduction
• Locate and Eliminate Fruit Fly Breeding Spots
• Make a Vinegar or Banana Trap
• Prevention of Fruit Flies
• Conclusion
• References