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Eco-Friendly Ways to Get Rid of Fruit Flies

Prevention
April 22, 2025 By MMPC
A fruit fly
From Alexis, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Fruit flies may be tiny, but they can quickly become a major nuisance in your home. These small pests can appear out of nowhere and multiply rapidly. You’ll find them hovering around your fruit bowl, kitchen sink, and trash bins. 

The good news is that you don’t need harsh chemicals to eliminate them. 

What Are Fruit Flies?

Fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) are small (about 1/8 inch), brown flies with red eyes. They’re attracted to fermenting fruits and vegetables, which act as both food and breeding sites.

These pests typically enter your home as eggs or larvae on purchased produce, through open windows and doors, or in recycling containers with leftover beverages.

Close up of a fruit fly
From Sanjay Acharya, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Guide to Get Rid of Fruit Flies Naturally

1. Remove Their Food Source

The most important step to get rid of fruit flies is to remove what attracts them, which is the CO2 produced by rotting food or beverages.

  • Properly dispose of overripe or rotting fruits and vegetables
  • Clean up spills immediately, especially sweet liquids
  • Empty and clean trash bins regularly
  • Store fresh produce in the refrigerator until the infestation is resolved
  • Clean drains and garbage disposals where organic matter may accumulate
  • Wipe down countertops and surfaces where food is prepared

2. Use DIY Fly Traps

Once you’ve eliminated breeding grounds, set up traps to catch existing adult flies:

Apple Cider Vinegar Trap

This is perhaps the most effective homemade trap:

  1. Fill a small jar or glass with apple cider vinegar (about 1 inch deep)
  2. Add a few drops of dish soap to break the surface tension
  3. Cover with plastic wrap and secure with a rubber band
  4. Poke several small holes in the plastic wrap
  5. Place near fruit fly hotspots

The vinegar attracts the flies, while the soap prevents them from escaping once they enter.

Rotten Fruit Trap

Use the very thing that attracts them against them:

  1. Place a piece of very ripe or slightly rotting fruit in a bowl
  2. Cover tightly with plastic wrap
  3. Secure it with a rubber band
  4. Poke several small holes in the plastic. Flies enter but can’t find their way out

Milk, Sugar, and Pepper Trap

This old-fashioned remedy can be surprisingly effective:

  1. Combine 2 cups of milk, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of ground black pepper in a shallow bowl
  2. Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes
  3. Pour into a shallow dish and place where fruit flies are active
  4. The sweet mixture attracts flies, which then drown

Red Wine or Beer Trap

Fruit flies are particularly attracted to the fermentation in alcoholic beverages:

  1. Leave a small amount of red wine or beer in a bottle or pour some into a container
  2. Add a few drops of dish soap
  3. The flies are attracted to the alcohol but get trapped by the soap

4. Additional Solutions

Alcohol Spray

For immediate results when you see fruit flies:

  1. Fill a small spray bottle with rubbing alcohol
  2. Spray directly on flies when you see them. The alcohol kills on contact
  3. Use caution and never spray near food or flames

Venus Flytraps and Other Carnivorous Plants

These fascinating plants can help catch fruit flies naturally. Place them near problem areas so they trap and digest the flies.

Preventative Measures

Once you’ve eliminated your current fruit fly problem, take these steps to prevent future infestations:

Maintain Proper Food Storage

  • Store fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator when possible
  • Keep ripening fruit in sealed containers or under dome covers
  • Wash produce as soon as you bring it home to remove any eggs
  • Use fruit bowls with protective covers that allow air circulation

General Cleanliness

  • Take out trash regularly, especially in warm weather
  • Clean recycling containers that may contain residual beverages
  • Wipe down countertops daily
  • Clean up spills immediately
  • Wash dishes promptly rather than leaving them in the sink

Conclusion

To get rid of fruit flies, you need consistent application of these natural methods. The key is addressing both the adult flies and their breeding sources simultaneously. 

Persistence is important—fruit fly eggs may continue to hatch for a few days after implementing these methods, so maintain your traps and cleaning routine until you’ve been fly-free for at least a week. With these natural approaches, you can enjoy your fresh produce without unwelcome flying guests.

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