Fruit Fly Management Guide

Fruit flies are a pesky bug that can be found in homes throughout the year. They are commonly found in kitchens, close to potential food sources and breeding sites. Minimizing attractants and using pest control products can help to keep these flies out of your home. We’ve gathered information to help you eliminate a fruit fly infestation. 

Fruit flies hang out in areas where they can find food sources and breeding sites. They are typically spotted in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. Fruit flies are attracted to produce, especially overripe fruit. They will also feed on fermented foods and drinks. These flies breed in damp and dark environments where organic matter is present. Drains, trash cans, and garbage disposals are common breeding sites. Fruit flies will lay eggs on produce too. They reproduce quickly, which can cause large infestations. These flies are most active in summer, but they can be a problem year-round. It’s important to minimize attractants, removing food sources and eliminating breeding sites, and use pest control products to get rid of these pests. 

Reducing Attractants

• Check Your Produce: Because fruit flies lay eggs on produce, you’ll want to check it for these pests. Before purchasing fruit or vegetables, look for signs of fruit flies such as fruit flies hanging around the produce area or damage to the produce. When you bring produce home, make sure to wash it well. If you have a garden, keep an eye out for signs of fruit fly activity.
• Remove Food Sources: One of the best ways to prevent fruit flies is to remove potential food sources. Instead of storing your produce on the counter, keep it in the refrigerator. Discard any rotting produce both in your kitchen and in your yard.
• Keep Your Home Clean: Keeping your space clean can help to prevent and control these flies. Clean up crumbs and spills, and wipe down counters to remove sticky residues. Avoid leaving dirty dishes in the sink, and use a drain basket to ensure food doesn’t get left in the drain. Keep your trash area as neat as possible.
• Minimize Moisture: Fruit flies need moisture to breed, so it’s important to keep your home dry. Address any plumbing issues including leaking pipes, dripping faucets, and slow drains. Wipe down surfaces to remove excess moisture. Empty mop buckets and let mops dry outside. Consider using a dehumidifier or fan in areas that are prone to dampness in your home.
• Seal Entry Points: You’ll want to take steps to keep fruit flies from getting in your home. Check the exterior of your house for cracks, gaps, and holes and seal any you find. Make sure your door and window screens don’t have any tears. Leave your doors and windows closed if they don’t have screens. Repair or replace damaged seals and weather stripping. 

Using pest control products can help to prevent and eliminate a fruit fly infestation. Maggie’s Farm offers several products that can help you manage a fruity fly problem.

Plant-Based Insecticides
Our Flying Insect Killer and our Drain & Fruit Fly Killer are labeled to control fruit flies. They are formulated with plant oils as the active ingredients. Our Flying Insect Killer works well for spot-treating fruit flies. It can be used in your home or outside. Our Drain & Fruit Fly Killer can be used in drains to kill fruit flies at the source. It will kill fly eggs, larvae, and adult fruit flies. It also deodorizes and refreshes stinky drains. When used as directed, our products are safe for use around people and pets.

Application Tips

Shake our Flying Insect Killer well before use and periodically during use. Direct the spray at the fruit flies, working to make contact with as many as possible. Spray in 2–3 second bursts. For best results, you’ll want to spray insects when they’re resting to get the best spray coverage possible. When using indoors, you’ll want to wipe up excess. You can repeat as necessary. If you are treating outdoor spots, spray breeding areas such as in and around garbage cans and compost piles.

To treat your drains, apply our Drain & Fruit Fly Killer around the edges of the drain to allow the thickened formula to coat the sides of the drain. For frequently used drains, apply 1–2 oz per drain. It’s best to avoid using the drain for at least one hour after treatment. Ideally, you’ll want to allow the drain to sit overnight. For infrequently used drains, pour 1–2 quarts of water in the drain, and then apply 1–2 oz of the product. To help keep the trap from drying out, apply 1–2 oz of vegetable oil or mineral oil to the drain. Do not flush with water after application of product and oil. If the drain gets used, reapply the treatment. You can also put a standard sprayer on the bottle, and spray areas that attract flies like trash bins.

Fruit Fly Traps

Our Fruit Fly Trap can also help to take care of a fruit fly problem. The traps are designed to attract and kill fruit flies. They discreetly lure and capture fruit flies, preventing them from breeding and multiplying. To activate the trap, push the tip of the tube through the hole on the trap. Squeeze about half of the tube of the liquid in the Fruit Fly Lure tube into the hole. To enhance capture efficiency, you can add one drop of standard dish soap to the trap. Each trap will work for up to 30 days. Place the traps in areas near the fruit fly problem such as around kitchen fruit bowls, sinks, dishwashers, and garbage areas. You’ll want to place the traps in areas where they won’t be disturbed. If using more than one trap, space them at least three feet apart.

Plant-Based Insect Control Blocks

Our Garbage Refresh Deodorizer & Insect Control blocks can also help to control fruit flies. The blocks kill and repel fruit flies while helping to deodorize kitchen trash bins. The block is formulated with plant oils as the active ingredients. Each box contains six blocks and a hook to hang them in trash bins. They are safe for you and your family when used as directed. This block works best in covered or enclosed trash bins. Simply hang the block inside your trash can using your chosen hanging method (metal hook and barbed string). Close the lid on the bin. Replace the block weekly or when most of the fragrance is gone.

Having fruit flies hanging out in your space can be frustrating. To get rid of these pests, you’ll want to implement preventative methods and use the right pest control products.