There is nothing quite as frustrating as sharing your house with unwanted visitors – specifically pests.
Most of us are already well-versed with ants and mosquitos, but fruit flies are another common culprit, especially as the weather starts to warm up. These squirms of tiny insects love to prey on ripened fruits of vegetables and often continue breeding in drains, garbage disposals, and empty bottles, which can make it tricky to evict them from the kitchen. While they’re technically not dangerous bugs, they can be a sign of unsanitary conditions.
To get to the bottom of fruit fly infestations, The Post consulted Pest Control Specialist Densle Anderson, who is the President of Pied Piper Pest Control in Garden City. While Anderson has acknowledged that fruit fly infestations can be bothersome, the expert has offered a few simple methods for trapping and removing these relentless pests.
According to Anderson, four effective types of traps can be used at home: a homemade bowl and soap trap, an apple cider vinegar trap like Aunt Fannie’s FlyPunch, a sticky trap like the Dunaga, or an electric trap like the EVOFLY Plug-in Bug Light.
For more guidance on implementing these traps, we recommend heading down to read Anderson’s full interview below. Or if you’re ready to start your fight against the flies, read on to shop the top commercially available fruit fly traps, according to the expert.
And, while you’re at it, you may also want to add a few more spring cleaning essentials to your cart.
Expert Picks
Best electric: EVOFLY Plug-in Bug Light Trap for Fruit Flies
Anderson recommends that those looking for a quick commercial remedy can opt for an electric trap.
“Electric traps use UV light to attract flies and then capture or kill them with an electric grid or sticky surface,” explained the expert, who points out that this option from EVOFLY works well without the zapping associated with most electric machines. “This product effectively attracts fruit flies and other pests using light and captures them with a small sticky surface on the opposite side.”
While it still technically is an electric machine, it works silently — so you don’t have to be reminded of the buzz kill.
Best discreet: TERRO Ready-to-Use Indoor Fruit Fly Killer
That’s no ordinary apple. “This product offers a practical solution for homeowners battling fruit fly infestations,” shared Anderson, who explained that this fruit-shaped trap adopts the same principles that naturally attract fruit flies to fruit, serving as a commercial alternative to homemade remedies. He added that it “combines effectiveness with convenience,” by featuring a built-in window that allows viewers to monitor the trap’s success. Each trap works for up to 45 days.
Best sticky: Dunaga Fruit Fly Traps for Indoors
For those who are looking for a “smart” trap, Anderson recommends something like this option from Duranga, which can be placed in any area of the home. “This product combines the features of the first two models,” shared Anderson. “It attracts fruit flies using light and incorporates a small fan that draws them in, trapping them on a sticky pad located at the product’s base.” Arguably, the best part about this trap is that it pulls out all the stops — the smart wavelengths change modes every 15 minutes, so it can attract different bugs, in addition to fruit flies.
New York Post Picks
Best for drains: EcoStrong Fruit Fly Drain Treatment
Anderson has also revealed that drains are a common location for fruit fly breeding: “Additionally, they can breed in drains, garbage disposals, empty bottles, and cans that give or sweet smells or fermenting,” the expert noted.
For those who need a solution in such a narrow, tight space, we recommend trying a gel formula that can be poured down the sink. This option from EcoStrong uses cedar oil to repel flies, and bio-enzymes to consume the drain scum, effectively eliminating the fly’s environment and forcing them to evacuate the drain. Don’t be alarmed if you see more flies coming out of the pipes after using this product — that means they are on their way out!
Best for plants: Natria Neem Oil Spray for Plants Pest Organic Disease Control
Anderson mentioned that fruit flies are attracted to sweet smells and anything rotting, which makes some plants an easy victim. To control a fruit fly infestation around plants, you will want to look for a pesticide-free, non-toxic, eco-friendly spray.
This organic spray is plant-friendly, meaning it can be sprayed directly on plants without harming them, while effectively eliminating a range of insects, including fruit flies. The spray, however, will not harm beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs — which helps promote a healthy garden ecosystem.
Best apple cider vinegar: Aunt Fannie’s FlyPunch Fruit Fly Trap
Anderson also shared that an apple cider vinegar trap can work well because it “attracts flies due to its fermented smell.” For those who do not want to create their own recipe, we suggest considering Aunt Fannie’s Flypunch.
This remedy combines plant-based ingredients — vinegar, water, ethyl lactate and more — to attract fruit flies into the small can. When used with caution, FlyPunch is safe for use around food and pets, which means it’s a great choice for busy families or those looking for an alternative to the more expensive, advanced trap machines.
Expert Recommendations
Densle Anderson has roughly 20 years of experience serving the five boroughs as a pest control specialist and is certified in four key areas: structural, food processing, termites, and ornamental lawn care.
What attracts fruit flies?
“Fruit flies are attracted to ripe, fermenting, or rotting fruits and vegetables,” explained Anderson. “They are attracted to your home or restaurant from outside when they detect the scent of ripe produce through open windows or doors.”
Where do fruit flies come from?
“They can emerge from fruits or vegetables brought home that already contain their eggs or larvae, as they lay their eggs near the surface of these fermenting fruits,” the pest control specialist explained. “Additionally, they can breed in drains, garbage disposals, empty bottles, and cans that give or sweet smells or fermenting.”
How long does it take to get rid of fruit flies?
“The time it takes to get rid of fruit flies can vary,” shared Anderson. The expert said that most food flies can live up to 40 to 50 days. “But, if you eliminate their food source and the breeding source is shortened, their lifespan tremendously,” he noted. “Eliminating sources of attraction and breeding sites is crucial for long-term control.”
What are the most common types of fruit fly traps?
Anderson said that there are four common traps used to catch fruit flies. Many people will opt for an apple cider vinegar trap which uses apple cider vinegar to attract flies due to its fermented smell. Another at-home remedy is the bowl and soap trap, which combines water, soap, and an attractant like fruit or vinegar.
Those looking for a commercial remedy can opt a sticky trap. “These traps attract flies with a specific scent or pheromone that trap them on a sticky surface,” shared Anderson.”Electric traps use UV light to attract flies and then capture or kill them with an electric grid or sticky surface.”
How do keep fruit flies out of your house?
Anderson has shared a few tips for those looking to avoid fruit fly infestations: “Inspect for overripe or rotten produce and dispose of them. Look for spills or residue on floors or countertops.”
He added that intense cleaning is critical. “Clean thoroughly and be sure to look in hard-to-reach areas like under appliances. Check drains and the lining around sinks just under the countertop. Remove any and all gunk billed up as these are also areas for fruit flies to reproduce.”
Remember, keeping a clean home is the best proactive measure to take against a fruit fly invasion.
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