How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies at Home

Jar and Funnel Trap (pictured above)

1. Place some bait inside a glass jar —overripe produce, ketchup or a fermented liquid like apple cider vinegar, beer or wine will all work.
2. Then place a funnel over the opening of the jar with the spout pointing down to create a tiny entrance that is easy for the flies to get into but almost impossible for them to exit. (In place of the funnel you can also use a paper cone.)
3. As the jar fills up, you can wait for the flies to expire before emptying it, or you can put the jar in the freezer to speed up the process.

Bottle and Plastic Wrap Trap

1. This method is ideal if you have a nearly empty bottle of vinegar, beer or wine. Cover the opening securely with plastic wrap and poke a hole or two in the plastic.
2. As with the funnel method, the fruit flies will be able to make their way in through the holes but won't be able to get out. Wait until they’re no longer moving — floating on the surface of the liquid — before tossing the empty bottle (there’s no need to remove the plastic wrap).

Bowl and Soap Trap

1. For extra-tough cases, this is the way to go. Fill a microwave-safe bowl with apple cider vinegar and a few drops of dish soap.
2. Microwave the bowl so the mixture becomes even more aromatic.
3. Leave the bowl out uncovered as fruit fly bait. The soap will reduce the surface tension, causing any fruit fly that lands on the surface to drown.

Prevent a future fruit fly infestation by taking these steps.

Prevent fruit flies by thoroughly checking the produce you buy to make sure there are not cracks or nicks where fruit flies could be hiding. Wash and dry unrefrigerated produce as soon as you bring it home to remove any eggs on the surface. Fruit flies lay their eggs on anything sugary or fermented, so make sure you regularly clean up spills, take the garbage out, and clean your sink drain.

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