Fruit flies: the best home remedies for the small animals

Fruit flies are a real nuisance in summer. With these home remedies, the little animals stay away from the kitchen.

They are real pests in summer: fruit flies. If only one specimen flies through the kitchen one day, the next day suddenly a whole swarm romps over the fruit bowl. Quick action is required to prevent a plague.

Fruit flies: this is why they become a plague

The female lays up to 400 eggs at a time, which leads to rapid reproduction. They prefer ripe fruit as a breeding ground – which has earned them the nickname fruit flies. Residual or organic waste is also popular for laying eggs. After only nine days, the larva has developed into a fly and the cycle begins again. However, there is no danger from them. In contrast to some other species of flies, fruit flies do not transmit diseases.

Tips for prevention

So that fruit flies don't even get into the kitchen, a few things should be observed in summer. Prevention begins with shopping. Fruit flies buzzing over the fruit in the supermarket – hands off! Because it is very likely that the insects have already laid their eggs on it. These then hatch in the apartment and cause a plague. Once the fruit has been bought, it is best to store it under a net or in the refrigerator. This is not how the fruit flies come near. In addition, the insects do not reproduce in cold temperatures.

Immediately dispose of any fruit that begins to rot. The putrid smell attracts the little flies as they mainly rely on their sense of smell. Another tip: take out the garbage more often in summer. Because the fruit flies also attack it. Just like about leftovers that are open in the kitchen. Wine, fruit juices, and vinegar also attract fruit flies. Therefore, always close bottles well and wash empties thoroughly.

Build effective fly traps yourself

Once the fruit flies are in the apartment, self-made traps help. Simply fill a bowl with vinegar, fruit juice and a dash of detergent. The smell of the vinegar and fruit juice attracts the fruit flies. The detergent, on the other hand, reduces the surface tension of the liquids. The flies cannot hold on and drown in the mixture. It is best to place the trap next to the fruit basket. Instead of vinegar, alcohol such as wine or liqueur can also be used.

A jar of pickles also works as a trap. When all the cucumbers are eaten, drill small holes in the lid. Then close tightly and place next to the fruit. The sweet smell of the cucumber water attracts the flies. They get in through the holes, but cannot find their way out. The same principle works with a wine bottle. Just leave a sip and place the bottle in the kitchen. The flies buzz in and either drown in the wine or they can no longer find their way out of the bottle.

With plants against the pests

There are carnivorous plants that can help fight fruit flies. These include the butterwort, the sundew or the Venus flytrap. Butterwort and sundew have small glands on the leaves that secrete a sticky secretion. The flies stick to it. The Venus flytrap, on the other hand, catches the flies with a folding trap. If the fruit fly settles in the "mouth" of the plant, the trap strikes and it is locked. The Venus flytrap then releases a secretion that it uses to digest its prey. All three pest controllers need a light location.

Herbs can also help against fruit flies. Such as the holy herb, also known as olive herb. If the herb is dried, the intense smell will deter the flies. Just hang the bouquet in the kitchen and the animals say goodbye. The smell of basil or cloves is also not well received by fruit flies. Either put a basil plant in front of the window or place a lemon studded with cloves next to the fruit basket.

Live traps for animal lovers

If you want to get rid of the fruit flies but don't want to kill them, you should use live traps. Simply put a bait like a banana peel in a glass. Then cover with a perforated cellophane film. Once you've caught a few animals, take the jar outside and release the fruit flies. The same works with a small bag. Simply put the bait in and wait for some fruit flies to attack. Then close the bag and bring it to the door.

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