Your kitchen may appear immaculate, but are you aware that unwanted guests could be lurking in your drains? Fruit flies are a common nuisance during the summer months, often found buzzing around decaying food and fruit, but they can also hide in your drains.
Fruit flies are attracted to rotting organic matter for egg-laying, and your kitchen sink drain is likely filled with exactly what they need. If you’re being bothered by fruit flies, cleaning your drain should be your next step – and, fortunately, it’s a task that can be done easily and inexpensively. The first method you could try is simply pouring a kettle of freshly boiled water down your drain to exterminate any flies and their eggs.
However, if they persist, consider manually clearing out the drain with a brush to eliminate any organic matter and eggs. Adding a bit of white vinegar to hot water can help deodorise and clean the pipes more effectively.
To prevent fruit flies, ensure no food enters your drain. Thoroughly scrape all plates into the bin before washing them, and always keep your rubbish bin covered.
Regularly emptying your bin and promptly cleaning up any spills will also be beneficial. If you’re still battling an infestation, consider creating a simple trap using apple cider vinegar and dish soap.
It might seem odd, but fruit flies are drawn to sweet and fermented smells like apple cider vinegar, as it replicates the scent of their primary food source – rotting fruit. However, a bowl of vinegar alone won’t suffice, as these tiny pests can stand atop the liquid.
By introducing washing-up liquid, the water’s surface tension is reduced, causing the flies to drown in the dish. To create this trap, simply fill a small jar or dish with apple cider vinegar and add a few drops of washing-up liquid.
Cover the container with cling film and secure it with a rubber band. Use a toothpick to poke several minuscule holes in the cling film, then place the jar near a window or fruit bowl to eliminate the pesky flies.
