How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies

Fast, simple methods to eliminate fruit flies

⚡Quick Answer

Toss overripe fruit, set an apple cider vinegar trap, clean drains, and seal food to prevent return.

Throw away overripe or rotting fruit and empty your trash — fruit flies breed in decaying organic matter.

💡Check hidden spots like the bottom of fruit bowls and recycling bins.

Pour apple cider vinegar into a jar, add a drop of dish soap, cover with plastic wrap, and poke small holes.

💡Place traps near the sink or fruit bowl where flies cluster.

Wipe counters with an all-purpose cleaner and pour boiling water or drain cleaner down sink drains where larvae hide.

💡Pour baking soda then vinegar down drains for a quick DIY flush.

Store fruit in the fridge, keep bins covered, and empty trash regularly to cut off food sources.

💡A few drops of essential oil near entry points can deter flies.

With traps and source removal, most infestations clear up within 1–2 weeks.

Yes — the scent attracts flies and the dish soap breaks surface tension so they drown.

They return when a food or moisture source remains — check drains, trash, and forgotten produce.

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