One of the most effective ways to get rid of fruit flies is to set up traps using apple cider vinegar, ripe fruit, or red wine. For a simple apple cider vinegar trap, pour a little ACV into a glass, cover the opening with plastic wrap, secure it with a rubber band, and poke small holes for the flies to enter. Fruit flies are drawn to the scent but cannot escape once inside[1]. You can create a similar trap using overripe fruit or red wine instead of vinegar[3].
Another effective method is the dish soap trap. Fill a bowl or cup with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar and add 3–4 drops of dish soap. The soap reduces the surface tension, causing flies to sink and drown when they land[5]. This technique also works with red wine or milk mixed with sugar and black pepper in a shallow dish[3].
To maximize results, consider trying several trap types at once and placing them where fruit flies are most active. Make sure to regularly dispose of overripe or rotting produce, clean up spills, and store fruits in the refrigerator to reduce fly attraction and reproduction[4]. Remember to rinse out food and drink containers before discarding, clean trash and recycling bins, and avoid leaving food scraps exposed[4].
If homemade methods do not resolve the problem, you may consider purchasing ready-made fruit fly traps or, as a last resort, using aerosols or chemical-based insecticides that are safe for your home environment[6].
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